You know what? My kids aren’t going to Disney World. For starters, I’m not a fan of that oversized mouse and his corporate empire. Then there’s the price tag. A week-long trip for a family of four can run around $3,485. That’s roughly $871 per person! My honeymoon in beautiful Rome (the real Italy, not Georgia) was cheaper. Even our spontaneous two-week jaunt to Ireland cost less (sure, we camped and ate at farmer’s markets, but still!). Honestly, with that amount of cash, I could send my kids on a pasta-filled adventure to Italy — if only I had that kind of money lying around, which I definitely don’t. My husband is a public school teacher, and we’re just trying to keep our fridge from breaking down.
So, my kids will live without Disney. They’ll be just fine, just like my 5-year-old will get by without that ridiculously priced pink dinosaur he’s been eyeing. A more affordable dino will do. And for my 7-year-old, we showed him how the cost of that fancy Lego Volcano set ($130!) could instead buy him several Star Wars sets. He chose the Star Wars options, realizing he’d enjoy them just as much. Missing out on that giant Lego set won’t ruin his day, just like not having a massive Darth Vader or the Millennium Falcon won’t make or break their childhoods.
Because in the grand scheme of things, those toys and vacations aren’t what truly matter. Remember those overpriced Cabbage Patch dolls or Furbies? How often did you play with them? I went to Disney twice as a child, and while it was entertaining, I wouldn’t call it magical. When it was over, I returned to my regular childhood life.
What I truly wanted from my childhood were adults who genuinely cared. I longed for someone who would listen, take me to the library, or sit down for a game of Gin Rummy. I didn’t need fancy toys to make memories. My fondest recollections are of baking nut rolls with my grandmother, who didn’t spend cash on extravagant activities. She let me roll the dough, and with the scraps, my sister and I made mini nut rolls that went into our lunches.
I can still taste those nut rolls. I remember my grandmother proudly displaying my Simba painting on her fridge. I cherish the walks we took, and as I grew older, the hours I spent biking around the neighborhood. These memories belong to families like mine — those without deep pockets, who can’t afford Disney trips or extravagant toys.
I strive to create similar moments with my kids now. Their latest obsession is clay, so we sit together at the table, crafting pinch pots and chatting. My husband loves cooking with them too; they fight over who gets to cut the zucchini, not because of the vegetable, but because it’s a chance to bond with Dad.
Kids crave connection more than anything. They want a calm voice when they’re upset, someone who genuinely asks about their day. They want to be read to, whether the books are from our shelf or borrowed from the local library.
They will play with dinosaurs, Star Wars, Legos — whatever you give them. The quantity doesn’t matter; more toys won’t enhance their playtime. In fact, they might just become another thing you step on in the dark!
I can pass on Disney. The only memory I have is buying a Cheshire Cat with my First Communion money, and it didn’t make me feel more loved. Sure, my kids enjoy the play structure we splurged on for their joint birthday last year, but I doubt it significantly enhances their childhood. I hope they grow up remembering our home as a bright, loving place, which costs nothing. If I achieve that, I’ve fulfilled my greatest aspiration — one that has nothing to do with how many toys they own.
For more insights on building a family, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re exploring home insemination options, consider looking into this intracervical insemination guide or check out Cryobaby’s home insemination kit for comprehensive solutions.
Summary:
This article emphasizes that parents shouldn’t stress over the high costs of Disney vacations. Instead, meaningful childhood memories come from genuine connections and simple activities at home, rather than expensive toys or trips. It encourages families to focus on creating love-filled experiences, which are far more valuable than commercialized entertainment.