To take DS on my work trip or not?

[DestinationTravel]

I am being sent on this all-expenses-paid conference trip from work to Orlando, funnily enough, during the October half terms. I will be staying in one of the hotels famous for being kid-friendly with its own water park etc. and will have enough extra days to do Disneyland. I am really keen to take DS (7) with me on this trip as I'm not sure if I will ever be able to afford such a trip ever.

However, DH can't make it then is not at all keen on Disney, and happy to skip the trip. But he thinks I am spoiling DS by giving him a luxury holiday that he hasn't explicitly asked for. I will be spending quite a bit on this trip and DS clearly seems very, ahem, "neutral". I see DH's point too and now confused - WWYD?

I don't think you are spoiling him but taking advantage of a great opportunity.

But what does your son do whilst you are conferencing, at seminars and with other conference attendees for drinks /meals etc?

I only have one session I need to present a paper at, and am hoping to send DS to the club (which seems wonderful) then. I am not much for drinks/networking anyway. I’m just concerned that DS doesn’t seem very enthused by Disney. I would have done anything to get a trip like that as a child! (looks like he got his father’s genes 🙄)

There's loads to do in Orlando, search for threads here. So if he's not massively keen on Disney, you don't have to do days and days of Disney iyswim. Sounds like a brilliant opportunity -- the only thing I'd say is are you sure your employment's expectation is that you'll only attend one session? Any conference I've been sent to, networking etc is pretty much expected.

Will your work let you do this? If it’s a work trip there may be rules about children travelling. Also check out insurance cover may work.

Yes I've checked with work and the organisers, and they are happy for me to do this. I am not in a customer facing role, more of a domain expert, so my job is only to present some new findings. Even if I do have to take meetings I can be there the whole day (DS can be in the club for that day).

Good point on insurance - I will have to buy it separately for DS.

Yes yes yes yes.

Worst that can happen he thinks it's a bit 'meh'. But chances are he will LOVE it. What an opportunity for him - I'd grab it with both hands!!

Go for it. we went when DS was 7 and he's not much of a Disney fan but he absolutely loved it.
There's also NASA and Universal studios

My only downside was I found the area itself to be a bit soulless and it's a long flight and costly for a holiday.

In your circumstances I'd not hesitate

Do it, I have 2 sons who aren't Disney mad but we have been to Disney World in Florida 3 times.

The fireworks over the castle in Magic Kingdom are spectacular. Disney has 6 parks, 2 water parks and 4 theme parks each with a unique angle. If he likes Star Wars or Toy Story then Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom is fantastic for showcasing animals, Kilimanjaro Safaris bus drives you through their habitat, no visible fences, just natural barriers.

Universal Studios has Harry Potter although less rides for him being only 7. Nasa is excellent I hear.

And the pendent in me has to tell you that Disneyland is in California, Disney World is in Florida. Sorry

You spoil them if they get things they haven't explicitly asked for??

Where will DS go if you don't take him? Is DH having the week off?

I would do this in a heartbeat!

GetOnYerBike I know! I am usually a pedant on that as I've been to both, and here I go saying that myself.

Sleeping DH will not take the week off, so DS will be in a club or at playdates. DS today said "why would you take me to Florida when I can play with BFF instead".

Oh wow! Do it! I first went to Disney World at 7 and it was fab! I have been again twice and cant wait to take my son when he is older.

So leave him but make it clear to DH that sorting childcare is his responsibility

Does DS know its more than Princesses?