Spring Break 2012 - I'm bummed

[lebeau]

I'm venting. Please indulge me.

I have been tentatively eying spring break 2012 as a good time to make a return trip. Mostly because my youngest daughter will be turning 3 in the spring and I figured we could squeeze in a trip before her third birthday (and before she would require a park ticket).

So this morning, I checked to see if the school had published it's spring break calendar yet. They had. But the dates were not what I had hoped.

In 2011, Spring Break was in March. It was actually very far from Easter. I was hoping for something similar this year. But no, in 2012 our Spring Break starts on Holy Thursday and runs through the week after Easter.

To make matters worse, my youngest daughter's third birthday falls on Easter. So the parks will be packed, everything will be more expensive and the primary reason I was looking at spring will be null and void almost as soon as we arrive.



Oh well. I haven't ruled it out completely yet. But it looks like Spring Break 2012 wasn't meant to be.

 

[Teachr4Disney]

Ugh! Sorry to hear that! That's a bummer! As a teacher, I feel your pain. Our spring break is almost always Easter week which is an insane time to go to WDW.

I will say that I took a week off the end of September and into the first week in October one year and it was great! Mild temps and low crowds. I even took my 6-year-old out of school for a week. Have you thought about booking for this coming fall?

 

[lebeau]

Ugh! Sorry to hear that! That's a bummer! As a teacher, I feel your pain. Our spring break is almost always Easter week which is an insane time to go to WDW.

I will say that I took a week off the end of September and into the first week in October one year and it was great! Mild temps and low crowds. I even took my 6-year-old out of school for a week. Have you thought about booking for this coming fall?

Oh, I love going in the fall! It's the best time to go. But, our oldest will be in first grade and I don't want to take her out of school.

Rather than go earlier, we'll probably just go later. We went last spring and it was difficult because the kids were so young. So I want to wait until they are a little older before going back. Spring break 2012 was about as early as I could see going.

We could go in the summer next year. A lot will depend on what offers are available and how the kids are doing. But that means buying tikcets for everyone which kind of throws off my incentive to go in 2012.

Or we could wait as long as Spring Break 2013. By then the kids should definitely be old enough to make the trip worthwhile and the FLE will be (mostly) completed.

My original plan was to wait until 2014 before my oldrest turned 10. So even if we go in 2013, that's still earlier than I had planned on.

I have no doubt it will all work out for the best in the long run. I was just a bit bummed that "for the best" probably meant waiting longer than I had hoped.

Oh well. Thanks for listening to me rant!

 

[wolf359]

I went on Spring Break in 2008 (took a bus full of higher schoolers!) and I didn't think the crowds were too bad. Granted, nothing was a walk on either, but I think the summer crowds (and weather) are much worse.

If you're willing to try to squeek by on your daughter's birthday I think you shouldn't give up on going next spring.

 

[me_stitch]

why would you not want to take a 1st grader out of school for a week? seriously, it's 1st grade.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

why would you not want to take a 1st grader out of school for a week? seriously, it's 1st grade.

I don't know about the laws in the original poster's state, but in our state there are compulsory attendance laws (that are enforced) that prohibit this. They get pretty ugly about it here- even as young as pre-K.

 

[wolf359]

All states have compulsory attendance laws, but any school can grant exemptions for "educational opportunities" or other such reasons provided you inform them in advance and sufficiently document the potential benefits of such a trip. Considering the wide range of educational opportunities available at Walt Disney World I don't think you'd have too much trouble coming up with a worthy excuse.

 

[wizards8507]

why would you not want to take a 1st grader out of school for a week? seriously, it's 1st grade.

I don't know about the laws in the original poster's state, but in our state there are compulsory attendance laws (that are enforced) that prohibit this. They get pretty ugly about it here- even as young as pre-K.

All states have compulsory attendance laws, but any school can grant exemptions for "educational opportunities" or other such reasons provided you inform them in advance and sufficiently document the potential benefits of such a trip. Considering the wide range of educational opportunities available at Walt Disney World I don't think you'd have too much trouble coming up with a worthy excuse.

Here we go.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

NOT picking up the rope this time....see other threads on taking kids out of school to go to a theme park....

 

[Teachr4Disney]

why would you not want to take a 1st grader out of school for a week? seriously, it's 1st grade.

I took my first-grader out for a week. Hasn't hurt her a bit. In fact, she's now about to go into 3rd grade and she's ahead of most of the others in her class (her teacher's words....not mine! :lol

I don't know about the laws in the original poster's state, but in our state there are compulsory attendance laws (that are enforced) that prohibit this. They get pretty ugly about it here- even as young as pre-K.

I had no problems with the school when I took her out for a week. We even have a form at school for educational trips. So I just got it approved ahead of time and it was considered an excused absence. I would have a problem with any school district that doesn't recognize the educational value of Disney World and it wouldn't be a district in which I'd want to enroll my children. Now, don't get me wrong, Disney is a whole bunch of fun but to find the educational value, you just have to point it out and make it a focus, but I do this on every trip we take regardless of the destination, whether it's in the summer or during the school year.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

All states have compulsory attendance laws, but any school can grant exemptions for "educational opportunities" or other such reasons provided you inform them in advance and sufficiently document the potential benefits of such a trip. Considering the wide range of educational opportunities available at Walt Disney World I don't think you'd have too much trouble coming up with a worthy excuse.

Here we go.

I took my first-grader out for a week. Hasn't hurt her a bit. In fact, she's now about to go into 3rd grade and she's ahead of most of the others in her class (her teacher's words....not mine! :lol



I had no problems with the school taking her out for a week. We even have a form at school for educational trips. So I just got it approved ahead of time and it was considered an excused absence. I any school district that doesn't recognize the educational value of Disney World isn't a district I'd want to enroll my children. Now, don't get me wrong, Disney is a whole bunch of fun but to find the educational value, you just have to point it out and make it a focus, but I do this on every trip we take, whether it's in the summer or during the school year.

It all comes down to your specific state laws and how tough your school/district is going to be. I have no problem with taking my kids out for a trip- especially younger kids, but my state does and does not consider trips - even educational ones - a valid reason for an excused absence. Most of the schools here have gone so far as to spell out that a trip to Disney, skiing, a cruise, Europe, etc. will all be considered unexcused. I'd find myself in court facing a fine and misdemeanor charges if I did this. A lot of the school band trips to places like Disney have been moved to spring break or Memorial Day weekend since many districts view absences for such trips as violations of attendance laws. Truthfully, I was shocked to find out how strict they are. Even excused absences are a battle in some districts here. I had one friend wind up in court fighting an absence for a death in the family while another considered hiring a lawyer when the school tried to prohibit him from taking his kids out for a religious holiday. So, always best to not assume your state or district allows such things since there are at least 3 or 4 states in the US that will come down hard if you do this and it's expected to increase as education budgets dwindle and funding is more directly tied into daily attendance. Envious of those who don't have to deal with this.

 

[unkadug]

Since when does the state make a three year old go to school?

 

[Teachr4Disney]

It all comes down to your specific state laws and how tough your school/district is going to be. I have no problem with taking my kids out for a trip- especially younger kids, but my state does and does not consider trips - even educational ones - a valid reason for an excused absence. Most of the schools here have gone so far as to spell out that a trip to Disney, skiing, a cruise, Europe, etc. will all be considered unexcused. I'd find myself in court facing a fine and misdemeanor charges if I did this. A lot of the school band trips to places like Disney have been moved to spring break or Memorial Day weekend since many districts view absences for such trips as violations of attendance laws. Truthfully, I was shocked to find out how strict they are. Even excused absences are a battle in some districts here. I had one friend wind up in court fighting an absence for a death in the family while another considered hiring a lawyer when the school tried to prohibit him from taking his kids out for a religious holiday. So, always best to not assume your state or district allows such things since there are at least 3 or 4 states in the US that will come down hard if you do this and it's expected to increase as education budgets dwindle and funding is more directly tied into daily attendance. Envious of those who don't have to deal with this.

What state are you in? In which states does this happen? I'm curious.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Getting back to the OP Problem, Any shot of maybe a midwinter break in there? Marie

 

[HouCuseChickie]

What state are you in? In which states does this happen? I'm curious.

(Last post on the matter)- I'm in Texas. Arizona led the way with such laws. It's my understanding that Pennsylvania and Virginia are also extremely strict-laws there permit them to give parents jail time.

But as another poster noted- not really applicable for a 3 yr old unless enrolled in one of these states and they are in an advanced state public run pre-K allowing kids in before age 4.

 

[lebeau]

I went on Spring Break in 2007 (took a bus full of higher schoolers!) and I didn't think the crowds were too bad. Granted, nothing was a walk on either, but I think the summer crowds (and weather) are much worse.

If you're willing to try to squeek by on your daughter's birthday I think you shouldn't give up on going next spring.

Now you've got me reconsidering. We've been for spring break before and I agree. It's not that bad. We get there early and take a break in the afternoon. Totally doable.

My understanding is that the weeks before and after Easter are pretty nightmarish. Any opinions on Easter (not the day but the week) vs. summer?

why would you not want to take a 1st grader out of school for a week? seriously, it's 1st grade.

I didn't mean to set off a huge debate with that. Our daughter goes to a private school that would definitely work with us if we wanted to pull her out for vacation. It's just a personal choice for me. I wouldn't judge anyone for pulling their kid out to go during the off season. I've considered it myself. But for me, I want to get every penny's worth of education I am paying for.

I took my first-grader out for a week. Hasn't hurt her a bit. In fact, she's now about to go into 3rd grade and she's ahead of most of the others in her class (her teacher's words....not mine! :lol



I had no problems with the school when I took her out for a week. We even have a form at school for educational trips. So I just got it approved ahead of time and it was considered an excused absence. I would have a problem with any school district that doesn't recognize the educational value of Disney World and it wouldn't be a district in which I'd want to enroll my children. Now, don't get me wrong, Disney is a whole bunch of fun but to find the educational value, you just have to point it out and make it a focus, but I do this on every trip we take regardless of the destination, whether it's in the summer or during the school year.

I agree. And I see your point. Our daughter has also always been a top student. And I'm confident she could miss a week without much impact. But... I still can't bring myself to pull her out. Again, no offense to anyone who chose differently.

Since when does the state make a three year old go to school?

They are referring to my 6-year old. She'll be in first grade when the youngest turns 3. So the idea was to squeeze in the trip during spring break for the first grader before the 2-year-old crosses the barrier that requires a ticket.

Getting back to the OP Problem, Any shot of maybe a midwinter break in there? Marie

Thanks for weighing in!

Unfortunately, we don't have a midwinter break.

It's a Catholic school which actually does have a lot of in-service days. But they are spread out a day here, a day there. My mom teaches at the school. She was my daughter's kindergarten teacher this year which was great. So, I'm calling mom tonight to see if there are a couple in-service days in a row that can be made into a long weekend. That might work out.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'm sure whatever happens, it'll be for the best.

 

[wolf359]

My understanding is that the weeks before and after Easter are pretty nightmarish. Any opinions on Easter (not the day but the week) vs. summer?

We were there the week directly after Easter, Monday to Friday.

 

[Teachr4Disney]

I didn't mean to set off a huge debate with that. Our daughter goes to a private school that would definitely work with us if we wanted to pull her out for vacation. It's just a personal choice for me. I wouldn't judge anyone for pulling their kid out to go during the off season. I've considered it myself. But for me, I want to get every penny's worth of education I am paying for.



I agree. And I see your point. Our daughter has also always been a top student. And I'm confident she could miss a week without much impact. But... I still can't bring myself to pull her out. Again, no offense to anyone who chose differently.

I totally understand. Well, I hope you get to go again sooner rather than later!

 

[lebeau]

We were there the week directly after Easter, Monday to Friday.

How was it?

I totally understand. Well, I hope you get to go again sooner rather than later!

I'm sure we'll get to go. It's just a matter of picking the ideal time to do so. Unlike a lot of folks on these boards, we can't go every year. So I like to plan for a time when we can get the most bang for our buck. And waiting until the youngest is older helps to do that.

At this point, I haven't ruled anything out. It's still possible we'll bite the bullet and go during Easter/Spring Break. I'm largely waiting to see just how bad the prices will be for flights, rooms and such. I imagine there's a pretty huge holiday surcharge.

 

[Kristamouse]

Our kids are in Catholic school too and we took them out last year (1st and Kindergarden then) during thier fall break so they only missed 3 days and one was church and a all school program...we lucked out...
The mid winter might be workable, we have been throwing around going for the Immaculate Conception, they will be off on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th of Decemeber as a teacher planning day. You could do a long weekend or perhaps take the Wedensday before or the Monday after for travel and he/she would not miss much. We have wanted to see WDW at Christmas but do NOT want the Christmas crowds...hope you figure something out