How to decide where to go next year?
Family, including my dad , DH,DS-9 years old, DD- 11 years old and myself.

DH and myself cannot decide where to go next spring - england or next december- WDW
we have been to WDW 2x but wanted to take the family for christmas time.
but my dad has wanted to go to the american air museum in england and we would love to take him but would my son be bored??

wow! Talk about apples and oranges.

Since you've been to Disney twice and haven't been to England, I would choose England.

Melissa, I don't know where exactly you live , but as for my opinion?
I cannot think that this is even a question.
If you could go to England, why would you go to Disneyworld?
I know of no child who has been bored flying to Europe, seeing sights that are unlike his hometown sights. Eating food that is unlike home, listening to accents/languages unlike his own.
Spring is a good time to go.
Believe me, Florida and Disneyworld will still be here, and not half as interesting or exciting as ones first trip to England.
To add to my reasons for saying all this:
Aside from my love of England and its people, I have traveled since I was an infant..my children have too.
They were always willing to go on adventures, see new places and try new experiences, including food.
Is that not a wonderful gift to give to your child? Introducing him/her to the World out there?
My children now travel on their own, everywhere. My son now lives in Japan, teaches English and on holidays- visits other countries.
My daughter just got back from Belgium,Paris,Amsterdam this March and is planning her fall trip..
see what I mean
So that is my long winded but sincere opinion~

I have to agree with the others...definitely England!

We have taken our children to Europe several times and they have never been bored. Just like Scarlett said...its all a new adventure. Although our children are still young I can see a huge difference in them. They are willing to try anything and have noticed the differences in cultures. Even several years ago our daughter commented on how we, as Americans, do not always do things the best way...she was talking about the afternoon siestas and asked why that is not done in the US. She did appreciate American toilets though

Take the family to England and enjoy a whole new world! You will not regret it

You're kidding, right?
A no brainer........England.

Agree that London is worth ten of WDW - why look at all the fantasy when you can heave reality?

When our children were even younger than yours, we took them to both England & Scotland and WDW (not at the same time of course!). To this day, as young adults, they talk about our trip to England and retell some of our travel stories (surprises such as: katchup costing 5p per pack at McDonalds! - we grabbed a handful without realizing it) and the Concorde overhead breaking the sound barrier while at BP. We hear very little about WDW.

There is SO much for children to do - punting in Cambridge, museums, theater, changing of the guards at BP, Big Ben, Parliament, St. Pauls, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, River Thames, not to mention food and culture that is different from our own. Springtime is a great time to go!

England, without a doubt (unless you're short on time). We took our kids (13, 11 and 8) to Paris this year and they loved it. One thing you might think about when in England is taking the Eurostar over for a day or 2 at Disneyland Paris...it is familiar and different all at the same time. The train station is right at DLP.

To offer a contrarian opinion, England will also wait. Many families would enjoy a trip to England much more when the exchange rate is more favorable.

In the meantime, why not try Universal Studios in Orlando? We just returned from there and as Americans we were in the minority. The majority were U.K. tourists because of the exchange rate.

Like others, I can't believe that there is even a question.

First, my DH lost his Dad this year. How we would have loved to take him on one more trip to a place where he was dreaming of going. However, we'll always have the memories of taking him on his "dream fishing trip" to Alaska.

Second, My kids are the same ages and genders as yours. They've been to about 20 US states and about 6 countries. There is no better adventure or education for children than travel to a foreign country and see how others live. If they have moments of boredom, they'll get over it! Life is about so much more than the constant stimulation of theme parks.

We were in Orlando last year for an event my daughter was competing in, and we never set foot in a theme park, and they never regretted it. Their favorite part of Florida? Eating Alligator nuggets and frog legs as appetizers.

Go to England, you won't regret it! No matter how badly the dollar is valued, it can't be any worse than the overpriced admission, food and souvenirs of WDW.

I put of Europe 4 times before I ever went and will regret each time for the rest of my life.

First time, Junior in high school. It was Europe or a car. Guess which one I chose? That car is long gone.

Second time in college. Boyfriend from Brussells wanted to take me all over Europe for Christmas present. I broke up with him.

Third time I got accepted to study the summer of my junior year in college at Manchester College at Oxford University. Didn't want to give up a summer (boyfriend) at the beach.

Fourth time an honors history program in college to spend winter break in Cypress. Christmas in Paris, New Years in London on the way home. Gulf War broke out.

My point is yes, England will wait but do you really want to put it off for something as stupid as Orlando?

My stepchildren still talk about Italy and London.

I know one poster thinks too many Dr. Phil like answers are given, but I believe there's more to travel than just picking the right hotel, getting a great airfare or even going to places others would love to see. And one of those things is this - Will the people actually going on this vacation enjoy it? Because there are people out there whose children SHOULD have enjoyed different cultures, food, rich history of England etc. but didn't. In private their parents will tell you the entire trip wasn't worth it. They might also reveal as their children grew older, this feeling didn't change.

So what do your children REALLY want to do? Will the appreciate England or will they spend the entire time wishing they were in WDW? IF your children really are up to it, I would do England. If not, and you think you're going to hear nothing but "But at WDW", I would go there.

Dr. Cat

Assuming MB is a frequent traveler or she wouldn't be on this board, I think my point is still valid. The family will, in all likelihood, get to see Europe. My kids have seen it several times. While Orlando may not be your idea of a hot spot, it is a legitimate vacation when you have children.

I think it is ridiculous to be so in awe of another country as to think it offers the end-all, be-all trip for every family situation. Depending on MB's home climate, England that time of year may be just another dreary gray place, while a trip to sunny Orlando may be a nice holiday treat.

Lighten up.

Since MB has already been to WDW 2xs, she is quite aware of what it has to offer. She is the expert on knowing her children, the way that none of us can, it is only wise to offer suggestions on what England has to offer children - they are two entirely different types of trips. It is harsh to call Orlando stupid and it is wise to realize that the exchange rate is not favorable to U.S. travellers. That being said, in my opinion, vacations are the most enjoyable when everyone partakes in the planning. - whether WDW or England, it adds an element of excitement. It should be something however that everyone can enjoy, not just the children.

Melissa, I agree with most of the above posters, go to England. There's plenty to see in the UK which will engage both of your kids. They'll do fine and I'd stake a fair sum of money they'll enjoy or even love it especially if you plan things which cater to their interests.

We've hauled my now 13 YO daughter to a few places she didn't want to go but when she scans the photo albums today, you'd never know there was bitching & moaning. Of particular significance are those places meaningful to my dad who is no longer with us.

GoTravel, Your first reply was exactly what I was thinking when I read Melissa's post.

Don't understand your follow up. The personal info is interesting but tagging Orlando as stupid to someone who has twice visited WDW and is contemplating a third trip might dent your credibility a bit.

Melissa, If you settle on England as a destination, visit the Europe forum for lots of info to engage your kids on the trip!

I think I would listen to Dr Cat LOL

Yes, England will always be there, so will Florida and Disneyworld.
It seems to be more the quality of the trip than the destination.
When I told the Yankee about this question, his reply was, if one enjoys rides in teacups, rides that scare you and fake Other countries, by all means, go to Disneyworld.
But if you want to really Travel, go see something new.
And speaking of Dr Phil, would he ask if it is more important for your dad to see the Air Museum in England with you or that you son not be possibly bored for a short time?

Sorry, Melissa, I overlooked the part about your father. In this case, if it were me, I would chose England due to this fact. I would explain to any child who proclaims they will be bored, the importance of this trip to Grandpa.

You're kidding, right?
My kids have been to WDW probably 5-6 times and England/Scotland 4 times. Given the choice, they would definitely choose England--different culture, tons of interesting things to do. The first time we went, my youngest was 7. He still remembers the trip and talks about it (now is 13). All the WDW trips are fun, but they just merge together after a couple of times. If your son is bored in England, there is a serious problem!

Just when I figured out the WWJD bracelets, I now have to research WWDPD.

MB, enjoy your trip to England.