My children will likely never visit Disney World. For one, I’m not a fan of the corporate giant. And when I checked the vacation prices, I needed to take a moment to breathe deeply with a glass of wine. A weeklong trip can set a family of four back around $3,485—roughly $871 per person! To put that in perspective, my honeymoon in beautiful Rome (the one in Italy, not Georgia) was less expensive. Even our spontaneous two-week trip to Ireland cost less than that (yes, we camped and ate at local markets). Honestly, I could fly my kids to Italy and enjoy pasta for that amount—if only I had the funds. But, who actually has $3,485 just sitting around waiting to be spent on the Mouse’s amusement? My husband is a public school teacher, and we’re just trying to keep our refrigerator from breaking down.
So, no Disney for my kids. And you know what? They’ll be just fine without it. Just like my 5-year-old can survive without that pricey pink Indominus Rex he’s been eyeing. A less expensive dinosaur will suffice. It may not seem like it at five, but with all the other gifts he’ll receive, a more affordable option will do. The same goes for my 7-year-old: when we pointed out that the fancy Lego City Volcano Exploration Base (priced over $130) could be swapped for several Star Wars sets, he chose the latter. They’re cheaper, and missing out on that big Lego set won’t ruin his day, nor will the absence of a giant Darth Vader figure ($125) or a Lego Millennium Falcon ($120).
These extravagant items aren’t the essence of childhood. Think back to your own childhood memories. You probably recall the overpriced Cabbage Patch doll or Furby, but how often did you truly play with them? The same principle applies to a Disney vacation. I visited Disney twice as a child. It was enjoyable, but I wouldn’t label it as magical. Once the trip ended, I returned to my ordinary life.
What I truly sought in my youth were adults who cared. I wanted someone to listen, to take me to the library occasionally, and to sit down for a game of cards. I didn’t need extravagant toys to create happy memories. My fondest recollections are of baking nut rolls with my grandmother. That experience didn’t require significant funds; she let me help roll out the dough, and with the scraps, my sister and I made tiny nut rolls for our lunches.
I can still taste those nut rolls, and I recall my grandmother proudly displaying my paintings on her fridge. I remember long walks with her and my grandfather and riding my bike for hours on end. These memories belong to families like mine—those without ample money, who can’t afford Disney trips or high-end toys.
I strive to create similar experiences for my kids. Right now, they adore playing with clay. I invest in good quality clay, and we gather around our small table to craft pinch pots together. We chat, and I praise their creations, making them beam with pride. My husband involves them in cooking, and they clamor to help chop vegetables, not just for the task, but to bond with him.
Because that’s what children truly desire: someone who responds calmly when they’re frustrated, who asks about their day with genuine interest, and who reads to them regularly—whether from a personal collection or books borrowed from our local library.
They will have adventures with dinosaurs, Star Wars, or Legos, no matter how many figures you provide. Extra toys won’t enhance their play experience; they’ll only lead to more things to trip over at night.
You can keep Disney. My memories of it are limited, aside from purchasing a Cheshire Cat with my First Communion money. It didn’t make me feel any more loved. While I know my kids enjoy the play structure we bought for their shared birthday last year, I doubt it significantly contributes to their childhood experience. My hope is that they remember our home as a bright, loving place—something that costs nothing. If I can achieve that, I’ll have fulfilled my deepest dream, which has nothing to do with the number of toys they possess.
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In summary, while extravagant vacations may seem appealing, the true essence of childhood lies in the everyday moments of connection and love. Focus on creating lasting memories rather than expensive experiences.