Going without the kids, do I tell them? - UPDATE

[azcavalier]

So, about a few weeks ago, I posted that my wife and I were going to WDW for a week in April, and it'll be our first time without taking the kids. We were trying to figure out if we should tell them before we go, or tell them when we get back. Our kids are 11 (DS), 8 (DD), and 3 (DD). Everyone said to tell them, and the sooner, the better. Many of you said to offer them bribes and talk to them about the next family trip that we're planning.

Well, at dinner tonight, we told them. And they didn't even bat an eye. Our 8 yr old just said, "Say hi to Figment for me!", and the 11 yr old said, "Bring be back a sword from Pirates!". That's it! Not a whine. Not a peep. We couldn't believe it. Then a little later, my 8 yr old said, "Well, i'm a *little* upset that you're not taking us, but i'll be OK."

Who'd a thunkit?

[FlaTinkRAMESAM]

Ehhh... don't trust that... You will leave and when you come back, the house will be destroyed. You know those sweet innocent little puppies that act like they have no problems with their owners leaving them for the day only to come back and they have DESTROYED everything in site??? Kids can do the same thing...

I kid, I kid. But how can they be so passive about not going to Disney? I would've duct taped myself to the roof of my parent's car if they told me we weren't coming... not that we ever went to Disney........... you get the idea.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!

[kdkhopper]

Kids are always so full of surprises aren't they? About a year and a half ago, I went to WDW with my mother - just she and I, while DH took the kids to their other Grandma's house. I elected not to tell the kids, convinced that they would be devastated if they knew. Well, let's just say Grandma let the cat out of the bag. When I called DH to let him know we got to WDW OK, my oldest (6 y.o. at the time) insisted on talking to me. He got on the phone and said "Are you at Disney?!?" Sheepishly, I said yes and then promised to bring him something really good (which I did.) Expecting tears and a tirade, I was surprised when he instead answered "OK, I have to go outside now." My other two kids had never been to Disney at that time, and were too young to care. Anyway, I leared two very important things from that experience - kids can handle news like Mom and Dad are going to Disney but they aren't and any guilt I felt about going without them was of my own making.

Enjoy your trip!!

[#1donaldfan]

I just had to reply to the person who said your house will be torn to shreds...that's just too funny. I knew the kids would be fine with it, well, maybe not fine, but telling them up front was the best way to handle it. Have fun, you've now got the green light.....

[Magic Smiles]

WOW, I can't believe that your kids handled it that well. We would never be able to go to WDW without our DS and he is 15. Actually we wouldn't go on any vacation without DS. Hope that you two have a great trip. I am sure that it will certainly be a new kind of magicial experience.

[crazeedizneefinatic]

I have a 7 year old and just did a little experiement. I told him that his Dad and I were planning a trip to Disney without him. I thought he was going to cry. He was angry than upset. I explained to him what was posted and wanted to see what his reaction would be and he wanted to read it. He was quite RELIEVED when I told him we were not planning a trip without him (yet?). I think your children took it VERY well considering their age. Congrats!

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

That is great.

[madi47]

My DD would be so upset. I would never go to Disney without her though. My DH and I find it so much more enjoyable to have her in the happiest place on earth with us.
Have a good trip!

[Cinderelley]

I think most kids understand that mom and dad need a little alone time. I've gone without my kids a couple of times with friends from work. They get a little jealous, but get over it very quickly. But then again, they're all teenagers and live in their own little world. I guess they figure that I can live in mine.

[kdsjjb]

My respone to your original post was to be honest and upfront with the kids, so I'm glad to see that you were and that it went so well.

After years of talking about it, but always deciding against it, DW and I went for our first adults only trip in Sept to celebrate our anniversary.

Our kids (DS16, DD13, DS10) had pretty much the same reaction as your kids. However, as the trip got closer,the kids got a little jealous. We never got to the mutiny, but there were threats of packing themselves in the luggage.

One thing I can promise you though, WDW is a COMPLETELY different trip without the kids. We had so much fun that we are planning another trip without the kids this year. (Plus one WITH them, to keep the peace)

Have a great time!

[amorillo]

DH & I did a solo trip when the kids were 7 & 10. They took it well..... but of course we did have a big family trip six months later!

WDW is definitely different without the kids! DH & I had a wonderful time! I'd love to do it again... but with a new baby... I don't see it happening anytime soon!

Have a wonderful trip!

[hubbyofadisneyholic]

If I had to bet, my guess would be the kids aren't "fine" with it. Just my opinion, of course.

We have mentioned a "Mom & Dad only" trip a couple times and if looks could kill our daughter would be an orphan.

But of course, she is only 18...

[katzctkpt]

I'm happy that your children handled the news of your trip very well especially considering the ages. I just asked my 3 kids ( dd 16 ds 12 dd 9) and they were like no way we'd let you leave. Heck, they got so mad when we went to a Pittsburg Steeler game for our anniversary.
Anyway since they have given you a green light go and enjoy yourselves!!

[WDWCrazyKaren]

Ah! We just did that 2 weeks ago! DH and I went without the kids. We had to promise them a future trip, but I didn't care. DH had never been there before, and he wanted to see if he liked it before he went with kids.

I'd been there a lot, so I knew, but it made him comfortable in saying "yes" for the following trip.

I think if the kids know they are going (I mean, with a fixed DATE and everything) they'd get over it.

Good for you, and have an AWESOME time!

Karen