Family holiday rip off prices

Originally posted by onionz
Like others here, I was quite fortunate to enjoy the longer holidays of a private school - nine weeks in the summer, three weeks for xmas and Easter.

Ahhh, golden memories...as a public school boy I, too, started later than the state school lads, got more time off at breaks, and ended only a few days later for the summer (although summer was also spent away boarding...wishing for mummy's attentions but only getting the stern thwack of matron's stick or a cruel elbow in the eye by the Captain of Games during the rugby...). [:#] I digress.

In the end, though, it always meant more enjoyable hols, without the masses of folk during the official breaks. It was here I began my continuing education in the fine art of leisure.

GJ

I have a 2 year son, so it won't be long before I have to make these decisions.

One thing to consider is what is 'educational'? I mean people are harping on about the Orlando route but I can't see what is educational about seeing an overgrown mouse and lots of rides. Well maybe what is the height you need to be go on a ride. However, if it was a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre or the Everglades that would be different.

Personally, I would go to places to the big US cities like Washington where it's deep in history or Tokyo for the culture education. This is mainly because I've never been a sit round a pool type of person.

Originally posted by onionz
Any comparison between the classroom and walking around EPCOT is laughable.

That depends very much on the age of the child - although there is much to be gained from Epcot at any age. Not sure what your concept of primary school is but it's not wall to wall learning. I can assure you that in moderation trips of this sort compliment the 1 teacher to 30 children variety very nicely. Seeing animals in Animal Kingdom, learning about geography and wildlife - all of these are important so don't dismiss Disney's legacy and accepted role as an educator. Of course it's not all obvious learning but to young children, who learn through play, many of the rides have a serious side - look at some of the rides, shows and you'll see what I mean.

I agree that these sorts of holidays are not critical but then what holidays are? Kid's need time off to recharge as much as adults and sometimes holidays in school time are the best option.

I would say I'm playing Devil's advocat here as I'll probably change my mind in two years time but I can see what you're saying about geography and animals but at the same time, you could go to Disneyland Paris for Mr Disney and to a wildlife park and Alton Towers/Thorpe Park in the UK without having to go to Orlando. Only the difference is the price and the weather.

I stress again, I'll probably change my mind when my son is older but I have never really been 'brought in' to the Disney experience (the seen the film, got to have the t-shirt, cuddly toy, slippers, bedsheets.....).

However there are lots of people I know who enjoy the experience.

Hi Ian,

Regarding your comments about looking at paragraph two of your post on 2/12, I would love to, but there appears to be only one.

I said in my previous post that I have always taken my children out of school in term time, what I didn't say was that it was not without permission, which you have presumed it was. You have also presumed that we all trooped round Disney everyday, whereas the last time we all went to Disney was in 2002.

Just to let you know how this has affected my children's education - one is studying Business Management and Law, having gained 9 o'levels 4A*,5A grades, plus 5 A levels. Second daughter has 9 o'levels grade 5A, 4B, and my fifteen year old son is taking GSE's next year. I think they have been entitled to their holidays, which incidentally have to be taken when my other half has to take his holidays.

So please carry on feeling sorry for them, they have such a terrible life.

Originally posted by sunsational
Hi Ian,

Regarding your comments about looking at paragraph two of your post on 2/12, I would love to, but there appears to be only one.

It's the one that comes after the first paragraph. That's a great reply and puts me right in my place. I didn't make those presumptions: as I said before I have no doubt that the children will catch up with their work and the results do bear that out. Nevertheless, that wasn't my point.

OK, so at which point am I telling my children to stuff the authorities?? I take it that was your point.

Now who's the children? I'm going to take you both to EPCOT if you don't stop your sniping.

GJ

I'm going to take you both to EPCOT if you don't stop your sniping

Well said sir.
Having never been there I can only imagine it is awful. Been to Orlando twice and never went to Disney.

I imagine most people were talking generics rather than specifics about individual situations.

The thread started with 'rip off prices' and I have to admit my previous comments were flippant. But...

As an aside we were never taken out of school to go on holiday - our parents worked hard to send us to public school and thus could not afford overseas holidays as well, we went to visit family and friends in the UK. It does not seem to have done any of us any harm. However it did teach us the value of education and that the good things in life are earnt and not an entitlement.

As GJ said very early on supply and demand dictate the prices. In the northern hemisphere June-August is summer and school holidays so inflated prices everywhere - here it is winter and only a 2 week school break in June so nice and cheap. However come December-January, summer, the schools are off and prices go through the roof, oh and its Christmas too.

However there is one solution to stop the arguments - the travel industry inflates its prices to peak season all year round so parents/teachers don't feel ripped off.

Win/win situation.[:o)]

At least Epcots not the worst place you could take us to!!! We might even become friends.......