I've been surfing the internet all day, while my kids destroyed the house, looking for the perfect non-Disney vacation. Guess what? It does not exist! I googled "best family vacations" and "top vacation destinations for kids" and "vacations for kids" only to get basically the same results each time. Number 1 on most lists is freakin' Walt Disney World!
Crap! So I dug deeper. Looked harder.
What about a cruise? Nope. I'm too paranoid about my son throwing his sister overboard. I'd never forgive myself.
Ah-ha! Mexico would be perfect! Oh, wait a minute. Mr. OCD hates the beach. He has issues with sand.
Then I came across Atlantis in the Bahamas. It's beautiful and has lots of activities for the kids. Yes, there's a beach but we don't really have to go there. I'll admit; I'm a poolside kind of girl any way. From the website, it looks like Atlantis has a bazillion pools to choose from AND a ji-normous water park!
"Let's do it!" my son said, though I suspect he had absolutely no idea about what he was so excited. He just likes to spend money.
The reason for the title of my post. I priced a glorious 7-day vacation in the beautiful Atlantis Resort, and nearly had a full-blown kaniption! It cost about the same as a Disney vacation PLUS my husband and I will be responsible for entertaining those little people who suck up so much of our resources.
*sigh, open a new browser tab, and type in www.disney.com*
Walt and his little animal friends have me just where they want me. No matter where I look to vacation, the cost is roughly the same. WITHOUT all the amenities and convenience of Disney.
It's like a cult that we can't escape! Only the leader is a bigger-than-life mouse that we cannot help but worship. He and his goons are just too adorable to resist. The luxurious compound lures us back year after year.
I certainly hope they don't start offering Kool-Aid with the meal plan.
