The 10th Anniversary trip that isn't going to happen tomorrow...

[darthmacho]

I said I wouldn't do this, but I can't help but be really disappointed that we aren't leaving for Orlando tomorrow like I had imagined when I started saving for this trip three years ago.

Three years ago, I started putting aside $20 a week (it's harder than it sounds) so that we'd have about $3000 to plan a WDW vacation for our 10th Anniversary, which is next Friday. The idea was that we would be returning after 10 years to the magical place where we celebrated our honeymoon, as well as enjoy a wonderful family vacation. It would have been my little one's first visit, and my older daughter's second. While we would have loved to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, we were happy enough to try a resort that, while technically a downgrade, seemed to fit our needs for romance and family, Port Orleans Riverside.

Well, things sort of unravelled about a year ago. I stopped putting the $20 a week away after getting to about $2000 (which is still a pretty good start) but finances were't the central issue. It was an illness, a brave year long battle with two different cancers for my mother-in-law that held us back from making any sorts of plans. Unfortunately for all of us, she lost her battle recently, and is now at peace. While the illness curbed our plans, I don't want to appear to place blame on the situation. My MIL spent most of her last hours worrying about her children more than herself, and if she had known, would have probably insisted we go ahead with our plans.

Now I imagine there are people who would have gone ahead with their vacation plans amidst this tragedy, especially since we strive to try to keep things "normal" for the kids during the whole ordeal, but I can genuinely say that I am glad that we didn't try to force it. Though I feel like I need a vacation right about now, and I'm actually having that "Disney withdrawal" feeling pretty hard, I think it is too soon for me, and especially my wife, to pull this one off. I know we made the right decision.

The new plan, is to postpone the trip for exactly one year, during which we will hopefully be able to save some money, and do a little healing. The best part is that we'll probably start planning later this year, so I'll get to enjoy the whole planning thing for a lot longer, and it will keep me busy until the trip finally happens. Also, both of my kids will be great ages, 8 and 4 going on 5, and will likely be tall enough for any ride they wish to go on (the older one is already there) and maybe they will be able to retain more memories because they are older.

So all things Disney aren't so bad after all. We've also had two nice vacations to New Hampshire and Maine the past two summers to keep us occupied. We WILL take these two kids to WDW asap, and I know it will be here before we know it!

Still, I know that tomorrow I'll be thinking about how we'd probably be taking a horse and buggy ride down the Sassagoula river at Port Orleans, and I won't be able to help but sigh...

[SBETigg]

Oh, Darth Macho, I feel for you. It's so hard to want to be there and not be able to go.

I'm sorry for your loss. But you do have the knowledge that you made the right decision, no regrets, and best wishes for next year's trip. Happy anniversary!

[Checkers]

I am so sorry for your loss. You gave your MIL all the love and support she needed during her illness and taking time to grieve should be a priority.

On a happier note, Happy 10th Anniversary! I know that this year will fly by and you will soon be visiting "the happiest place on earth".

Sending pixie dust your way.

[MsMin]

It sounds like you are making the best decision for you and your family. I agree this year will fly by and you will also have more time to tuck away a little more to make it extra special.
It sounds like the grieving is too fresh for you and your family and a year will help and the trip will have the makings of a great trip because anticipation is half the fun.
I experienced a terrible tragedy in 1990 and it took me 15 years to ear mark a trip and celebrate the closure. Your family is starting a new phase of life one without a special loved one and next year as you celebrate your 10 +1 anniversary I hope you take the time to recognize the hardships you have been through and the strength you have shown. It sounds like you have an incredible relationship and I'm sending to help ease the pain.
Looking forward to hearing about the plans for next year's trip in the near future...

[KylesMom]

darthmacho, I'm sorry not only for your family's loss, but also of the disappointment that you're feeling. I know this was going to be a special trip for you . . . but don't lose the faith, you know it'll just happen a little later. Happy Anniversary and God Bless!

[Piglet822]

I'm sorry for your loss, my condolences to your family.
You've got a very good attitude towards the whole thing and while I know you're very disappointed, if you keep that positive outlook that you've got the year will go by faster than you realize and before you know it, you'll be WDW bound!!!!
Good luck with the planning - I don't know if you save your change but it adds up as well - I put my loose change in a piggy bank (yes, a real piggy bank that I bought in Mexico at Epcot ) and I consider it "found money".
Maybe you could start doing that as well and splurge on an Illuminations Cruise or something for your next trip.

[Hayden's Dad]

I think you have made the best decision. I am sorry for your loss. Here is to planning for next year.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I am so sorry to hear about your MIL; it is so stressful when a loved one is sick.

I can only imagine how hard it was to decide to put off the trip, but it sounds like it was the right decision for your family.

There WILL be a trip to WDW, I love the other posters idea of taking the extra time to save for a special event that you normally wouldn't have been able to do!

[Madame Leona]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 3 weeks ago to cancer so I can see that postponing the trip was a good idea. I would like to wish you a Happy Anniversary. Maybe you could take a trip to the Disney Store for some of that Disney magic It usually works for my ds.

[Mickey91]

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers and pixie dust. The prayers are for you and your family to begin healing and the pixie dust for your upcoming trip. God Bless You!

[Kairi_7378]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad that you were able to make the best decision possible for your family. Only you can make a decision of this type and know what is best for you. I am glad that you were able to give so much love and support to your MIL during this difficult time.

Do you live anywhere New York City? Maybe you can take a trip sometime to the World of Disney to tide yourselves over for a bit.

I hope that you're able to save up for the vacation of your dreams when you decide plan your trip. Happy 10th wedding anniversary, and just think, #11 will be ere before you know it.

[Diznee4Me]

I am so sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. It seems I remember seeing where you were planing this trip - I was sad to see you had to cancel.

As they say there is a reason for the way things happen. Getting an extra year to plan will hopefully make the trip all the more special. I look forward to seeing you around the boards.

[robyn221]

I am very sorry for your loss. Your mother-in-law was blessed to have such a wonderful and loving family.

Robyn

[mrsgaribaldi]

I'm so sorry about your mother in law. I'm also sorry that you have to miss your trip. I know how disappointed you must be. As Checkers and Beth said, the time will fly by. Have fun planning the trip for your 11th anniversay. And by the way, Happy 10th Anniversary

[darthmacho]

Thanks for all of the support. I'll live vicariously through the Trip Reports for one more year, anyway. Thanks again!