$10 Million or WDW?

[WriteDisney]

Money actually does buy happiness, since you need money to go on a Disney Vacation.

I was very interested in what you said, because I think that the statement itself is true, but it didn't feel completely accurate to me. FEEL being the keyword here. I think it lacks a certain emotional quality that might not be verifiable. So, before you read on, just know that I agree with your statement, I just think for me (and I think many other people) its not that simple. I'm really not looking to get into an argument either. I agree with you, I just think theres another perspective out there as well, and its not that cut and dry (at least not for me).

I actually googled the phrase and found a money magazine article that discussed the relationship between money and happiness. They said it obviously exists, why else would any of us work? The article stemed from an add for an expensive can that said "
"Whoever said money can't buy happiness isn't spending it right."

The article then asked if it was true.. if money = happiness.. how come your "401k, five bedroom apartment and promotion" (their words .. not mine) don't cheer you up?

And to be honest, it goes into great detail, and I'll spare you the long story. But I think the point I'm trying to get at (very slowly and painfully) is that, yes in the real world money can get you to a certain place. But...

"Money can help you find more happiness, so long as you know just what you can and can't expect from it."

Which I find to be completely true. I went abroad last summer to Europe. I saw some cities and it was very exciting, but it paled in comparison to a trip to disneyworld with my loved ones. At least in an emotion connection type way.

This is certainly not true for everyone, but for me, the memories I made there are so important to me, I wouldn't trade it for any foreign city in the world. The feeling I get when I see spectromagic with my DBF or his family, is the same I shared with my high school friends, elementary school friend and family, and that feeling could never be bought from me. Seeing the cities was wonderful, but I didn't get an emotional connection with anything there. I'm sure I could make new memories some place else, but it wouldn't be disney. The service, the attractions.. that magical feeling that disney can provide in every aspect of its parks.. I've never seen that any place else. The feeling I have with my family and friends, the connection it gives all of us to our childhood, it can't compare any where else..

But thats just me...

[Grim Grinning Marathon Runner]

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!1

I'd take a cool ten million, any day. That would absolutely change not only my life, but it would change my daughter, and possbly even my future grandchildren and great grandchldren's lives.

With 10 million, I could easily pay off all debts, live in a paid off house, and invest $1 million to live off. I could easily live off the interest on $1 million year after year, never touching the princpal.

Say it took another million to pay off all my debts, which it wouldn't, but that leaves another $8 million to invest and grow. If I left that $8 million alone, didn't add to it, at the end of 30 years I've got over $150 million.

I'd say I could live comfortably for the rest of my life and leave a very vast inheritance to my daughter for that.

And hey, I could vacation in Hawaii or the Carribean any time - hopefully my daughter could stlll go to Disney.

[WDWgoofy]

C'mon...$10 million!

Hey, I love WDW is much as any of you, but if you don't choose the money then you must already have close to $10 milion.

[Soul_Power]

As weird as it may be, this was actually a hard decision for me!

I guess for the normal, non-WDW-addict it would be an easy decision, but I really had to think about it!! At the end, though, I chose the 10 million. Siiigh..

[pdrlkr]

WDW! You can't put a price on memories!

[luvdiznee]

10 mill would get me to DLP.

[dmosher]

See the point of having all that money (for me anyway) would be the bonus of going to WDW whenever I wanted to. Nope, sorry, just couldn't take the $$.
I'd rather be happy than rich and few things make me as happy as Disney!


D

[irish1967]

No question - WDW everytime.

We are a middle class family surrounded by families with A LOT of money.

I have to say that we are much happier than the vast majority of the people we know.

Yes, we have to save all year for our visit to the world but those three days are some of our most magical days in the year. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

[Marilyn Michetti]

Well, I answered this once when it was still on page 1, but must have not hit "submit".

We love Disney, and look forward to our Dec. trips, BUT, $10 million would feed, house, treat, and educate an awful lot of children in third world countries.

I'd give up any future vacations and give the $$ to a charity. There are several terrific ones out there.

[KayDee]

DW and I always talk about how if we won the lottery what we would do at Disney so we are picking WDW.

[Pop Centurion]

I'd take the money without thinking twice. My Mom has busted her butt most of her life. I would be able to help her finally relax and enjoy it. I'd take care of my Sister as well and see to it that my Niece goes to the best college if she chooses. Basically, my family would get everything they wanted while still having plenty to satisfy my own wants.

[wdwgrl377]

As tempting as the money would be...I'd have to take WDW. I couldn't like other's mentioned live w/out a WDW! I know there are other places to visit, and plenty of things I could do with the money, but I have to go with: WDW !!!

[DigitalDaredevil]

Money certainly makes life easier, but it doesn't necessarily make it better.
I rather be happy than rich.

[Mickey91]

We love Disney, and look forward to our Dec. trips, BUT, $10 million would feed, house, treat, and educate an awful lot of children in third world countries.

It would feed, house, treat and educate an awful lot of children here in the U.S.A. also. I think the US would be a lot better off if we would all consider the fact that there are people who go to bed hungry and cold and/or on the streets every night within our own communities. Once we have taken care of those right here, we would be in a much better position to help overseas. Just food for thought.

[murphy1]

The money. I grew up near Disney and have enough memories to last me a lifettime. I could pay someone to then take my kids b/c I have gone enough with them to see their reactions to things. For awhile in my 20's, I got to the point where if anyone wanted to go to Disney, you couldn't pay me to go, but now I love going again, mostly b/c of my kids.

[LandFan]

Wow - tough one! I voted for WDW because I don't think I could live without it, but it is so close that tomorrow when I pay the bills I would probably flip-flop and choose the 10 Million

[BandMan]

I think the US would be a lot better off if we would all consider the fact that there are people who go to bed hungry and cold and/or on the streets every night within our own communities. Once we have taken care of those right here, we would be in a much better position to help overseas.

Having lived in Central America for a year and a half, I must say that while there are many who need our help in the U.S., the poverty in the Third World is on a level that many here cannot even imagine. While it is awful to have so many Americans living in shelters, getting food from food shelves, and medical care from emergency rooms, it was much worse to watch people die because there were NO shelters, food shelves or public hospitals. We are far too nearsighted for a country that has been so richly blessed. Now I can get off my soapbox.

[Ian]

Honestly, people can call me a liar but I'd turn down the $10 million.

Whenever people ask the question, "What would you do if you won $x million?" my first answer is always, "I'd move into a suite at the Grand Floridian and live in WDW full time."

It wouldn't get me anything to have that money if I couldn't spend it the way I wanted to. Plus, I would never deprive my kids of the ability to visit their favorite place on Earth.

Honestly, we're fortunate that my and my wife's income allow us to live a very comfortable lifestyle as is. Having "money" isn't really that important to me, because I have enough as it is.

I'll take WDW, thank you very much. Memories and family fun win out over cold hard cash for me every time.

[poeticeclipse]

Just reading the responses got me a little emotinal. Everyone has a very strong reason for feeling the way that they do. It's really interesting.

I grew up with watching my mom struggle to make ends meet working a factory job after my dad died when I was 6. Money has always been a huge topic with my mother and I. We fought when I was in junior high and I was quite bitter about the fact that she didn't have to money to buy me the things that I wanted and take me to places that I wanted to see. I eventually grew out of it all with my mother and now I totally respect her for doing what she had to do to keep us happy and healthy. I've seen my mother practically drown in debt and now that she's 60 it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I always felt that if my mom had money we would have not fought as much and my life would have been much better. That is, until I figured out what REAL happiness is.

I wasn't lucky enough growing up to get to go to WDW every year like some kids I grew up with. I went once in the 4th grade and once in the 7th grade. In high school I went to MK twice with church groups and then I was old enough to earn my own money to go every year from then up till now. My husband and I got married a year ago and i'm very lucky that he shares in a love for WDW. He is one person that "gets me" and my obsession.

Bottom line...
When i'm at WDW it's like everything is just in its right place. Like there is no outside world. It's as though there is no such thing as "sadness." My family can't stay mad at each other if we tick one another off. The happiness and joy is infectious. There is no where else in the entire world that gives me the feeling of pure joy. I wait an entire year to get to go to WDW again and feel that joy. Even though i'm there for only one week... it is the best week out of the entire year. No video gaming system, mansion, or expensive car would ever give me the happiness that WDW gives me. There is only one WDW and i'd never ever give it up.

[joonyer]

I'd have to take the $10 million, so I could retire and travel. There are plenty of other great places to visit on vacation in the "real" world, that I will probably never be able to visit. I'd really miss WDW though. Tough choice.