Disney w/3 month old twins???

[skychica]

:wizard: We just booked a trip w/my parents, brother and his fiance for December. :Pinkbounc We will be spending two nights in Universal Studios and 5 nights at OKW. :banana:

I'm very nervous about taking my two newborns while breastfeeding. Anyone have any advice??? :crazy: We are Disney vets which help!

Thanks!

[dzneelvr]

Personally, I wouldn't attempt a trip with such small ones, but hey, it's not my call. Each park has private areas for you to attend to your loved ones needs. I'd call your resort CM and ask for specific locations. Have a great trip. :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl:

[RedRuby]

First off, congratulations on your multiple pregnancy (I take it you're projecting that the twins will be 3 mo at the time of the trip?). Being in a family with multiples is an interesting, challenging experience - we wouldn't trade it for the world!
But...
Personally, we found being out and about with newborns (eg 3 mo old and younger) a bit challenging, but that was probalby due partly to our weather. I personally believe (and personally experienced) that breastfeeding infants is easier than lugging bottles, nipples, bottle liners (if you use 'em), and formula or expressed breastmilk around....so that actually makes things easier.

What might make things harder is not knowing the health of your two little ones (what if they arrive early? what if one or both have lingering health issues?) nor how you and your partner/husband deal with the two little ones. You might not have much time between all the requisite baby activities for both babies to do much else -- looking back at our log for that time, I can say with confidence that most of what we did was: single or tandem(double) nursing, changing diapers and putting the girls down for naps/bed. We had very little time during the day for anything other than these activities....simply because you've got two separate little people to care for.

The upside of your trip would be having help around *and* not having to cook or clean or do laundry. The downside could be that you and your partner/husband don't have enough time to *do* much other than take care of your twins....I would suspect that you would still be dealing with some of your own baby-induced sleep deprivation, which would make enjoying WDW more of a challenge...(based on our and our friends' experiences in the twins' club).

Basically I think if you set out to do it, it would be an adventure! ::MickeyMo A fun one but challenging and potentially difficult...depending on a lot of factors you wouldn't be able to predict at your 45 day deadline for payment :-( If you live close by and are Disney vets, you might do fine. If you have to travel a long way and this is more of a 'trip of a lifetime', then I'd probably suggest against it (or going in with VERY low expectations).

Personally if I *had* to recommend something, I'd suggest putting the trip plans aside for a while, and going when they are bigger and easier to manage (12-24 mos), but that's just me. I'm sure it's doable but just not easily slotted into my experience with 3mo twins.

[RedRuby]

Personally, I wouldn't attempt a trip with such small ones, but hey, it's not my call. Each park has private areas for you to attend to your loved ones needs. I'd call your resort CM and ask for specific locations. Have a great trip. :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl:


Two short comments aobut this: (1) yes, you can nurse your babies at a private place or wherever you are most comfortable. You may find yourself spending a lot of time in sitdown restaurants and benches :-)

(2) There is an inflatable, portable twin nursing pillow...which would be great for throwing in a backpack or stroller to use at WDW or atleast travel with. (Our large foam double nursing pillow would have been unwieldy!)

[pjupton]

Just thought I'd weigh in too. My twins are almost 19 months and will be 22ish months when we go to WDW this fall.

I'm so glad to hear you are planning to nurse your babies! I hope you will pick up a copy of "Mothering Multiples" by Karen Gromada - we found it to be an invaluable resource. Since you still have a ways to go in the pregnancy, you might want to pick up a copy of "When You are Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads" by Dr. Barbara Luke... she's got some great evidence based advice about maternal weight gain and the impact on the outcome of the pregnancy - start eating!

I really have to agree with Red Ruby. I think I would save this trip for another time. You just don't know what might happen. You could be sick. Your babies could be sick. Even if everything goes perfectly fine with your pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding experiences, you will still be caring for twice the normal number of newborns. Honestly, the first several months were pretty all-consuming just with baby care, never mind things like grocery shopping and household maintainence type stuff. We didn't sleep more than 2 hours straight for about the first 14 months. WDW will always be there!

If you do decide to go, I think staying at OKW is a great idea. Actually, you might want to stay there the whole trip and just go over to Universal for the day so you don't have to move and will have more room. I'd imagine December would be a good time of year to try this, both temperature and crowd-wise. You can nurse anywhere and you'd probably be spending a lot of time doing it. Although I usually nursed simulatenously at home, I almost always nursed them separately when we were out. That means it was pretty much one after the other after the other after the other.

Best of luck for a healthy pregnancy and an easy birth and nursing experience!

[utahkennedys]

I would make sure to know where the Baby Center is at each park. They are so nice, cool and quiet.

We went with our friends to DL last September with 3 year old twins, and I thought that was a challenge, but maybe it will be easier when they are smaller and sleep alot! Since you are staying at OKW, I would also plan for a lot of down time.

[rgribik]

Hi, just going along with the others on this one, even as Dis vets, 3 month twins will be alot.(we are vets also, and my boys went for the first time at 11 months) My twin boys were a month early, but suffered no health problems(thank goodness). We were told to watch who handled them, where they went, keep them out of crowds, ect... because of the increased chance of rsv. We do live in a cold climate, but if I were you I would still be careful.
To back up the other posters, the first few months, all we did was try to get some sleep, and get the babies to sleep. I had an emergancy c-section(my first) and it took some time to recover from that. My boys are so much fun, and a great joy, but after 3 single babies, twins are a whole different ballgame. Talk to your doctor and ped. about it, before you make a final decision. Good luck and congrats! :goodvibes

[Mom to Jordan]

I would not go either. December is the middle of RVS and flu season and I would not take any 3 mo old to WDW during that time. Twins are more likely to be early and chances are the Dr. will say no way to the trip anyway. Also chances of a c- section for you is much higher and combine that with loss of sleep and you mat not feel up to a trip anyway!!! I would reschedual for the next Spring at the earliest!

Good luck with the babies!!!

Jordan's mom

[beattyfamily]

Oh boy!

It's great that you are a veteran of Disney. That will help a lot. And it sounds like you'll have lots of help too! ;) Although I wouldn't attempt bringing my kids under one year old, let alone twins, to each their own. I think you will have a GREAT time anyway. You'll be at WDW for goodness sake!

December is a GREAT time to go to WDW. Not that crowded, not that cold and beautiful decorations and music playing. Just take it slow. Know where all the baby centers are. I'm sure you'll have a good stroller; just be sure it has good covering and maybe a basket. What about maybe renting a car instead of the buses? That is what I'd do.

Get a good diaper bag; maybe a backpack kind?

Will you pack your diapers or buy them down there? I always packed them and then used the empty space coming home for souvenirs.

Good luck and best wishes for a great trip with your little bundles!

[krahema]

First off, congratulations! Twins are so exciting! My twin daughters are now 4 1/2 months old, so I thought I might chime in with my own experience/advice.

It is so unpredicable what they will be like at that age. They might be perfect little angels, but as previous posters said, they may have serious health, eating or sleeping issues that you probably wouldn't want to complicate by taking this trip.

As a couple of previous posters mentioned, December will be RSV season. If you are not familiar with what RSV is, look it up online or talk with your future pediatrition. It is the common cold in most children and adults, but for infants it can be life-threatening. Because it is so contagious, doctors recommend that you don't take infants to public places where they might be exposed. I think WDW would definately fit into that category.

I know it is probably disappointing to think about having to miss a trip to WDW, but being a parent sometimes means making sacrafices for our children. I know there are times I miss the independence my husband and I had prior to our daughters, but I wouldn't give it up for anything.

If anything, save the money you would be spending on this trip for a trip when your children are a little older (even just 12-24 months). You may want to spend some extra money then to get a suite or stay at one of the monorail resorts for added convienence. Also, if you are flying, I would recommend getting tickets for the babies - most airlines offer a 50% discount on tickets for children under the age of 2. Parent of 1 might be able to get away with just holding their baby - they can take turns holding. But with 2, both you and your husband will both have to be holding a baby the whole flight.

To sum things up, it sounds like these will be your first children and twins on top of that. 3 months can be so unpredictable, and taking care of infants can be so consuming. I would either wait until the babies are actually born and you have taken care of them for a month or so and book a last minute trip in December, or put the vacation on hold and do it once the twins are older.

Best wishes for you in the rest of your pregnancy! Eat healthy - and lots! And, be very familiar with the signs of preterm labor - it is notorious for occurring with multiples. The March of Dimes website has lots of great information on it.

Good luck!

[TinkerbellMama]

Personally, I would go. I did not have twins, but I did have an unexpected c-section and ended up taking my ds to Florida at 2 (almost 3) months and he was fine with the travel and the breastfeeding worked out great. If you have extra help from family, I don't see why you shouldn't go and have a great time! I agree with some of the other posters that the first few months are kind of a blur and things can be very hectic and disorganized; however, for me that sorta dissipated somewhat right around 3 months. If you allow for the fact that you might have to change plans were anything to go wrong with your pregnancy or newborns' health, I think planning the vacation at a slow pace should be fine! I know everyone heals differently, but even should you have a c-section, you will probably be feeling fine at 3 months. Here's hoping you don't need it and go full term with your babies and have a smooth delivery! :wizard:

[daisy_77]

:flower: I would totally take them, if I had help, of course!
My advice is to
- Ask their pediatrician if you can use baby sunscreen on them (it is usually made for babies 4 months and older)
-Take lots of breaks!
-Pump milk and use a baby bottle cooler.
HAVE FUN and take lots of pictures!! :flower:

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

the concern i would have is like another poster's earlier....you dont even know what you will feel like, or how the twins will be...you're talking DECEMBER. The chance of them needing some ICU time is higher than a single pregnancy. HOPEFULLY then wont need any tube feedings, oxygen...etc....Being a nurse, mother, currently Pregnant and an advocate for all those babies that arent able to talk yet at disney....stay home...really, enjoy your kids, take the time to know them..it will be a total adjustment. I travled with my DD at 6 mos., 9 mos, 2 years and now with this next trip she'll be 3...NO TIME has been peaches...let me tell you.
Not that she was bad, but you spend SO MUCH TIME tending to the little ones that you really dont enjoy your trip, Disney will always be there...dont worry....just wait a few more months...like when they are 6 mos old...you will have a good routine down, your kids will be too young to run around, but old enough to be out of the "NEWBORN" phase....

just my opinion....have a great time if you do decide to go! ::MinnieMo

[LisaGoeke]

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy and deciding to nurse your babies!

My twin boys just turned four on Monday. Speaking from experience, I think it is too young to try to attempt a vacation like that. Almost the first year of their lives was such a big blur, I also nursed my boys and I think I only got a few hours of sleep a night for the first year. It was soooo hard and soooo exhausting I couldn't even imagine taking a vacation.

I would also suggest waiting until they are older.

And since you're expecting twins, check out this site here, it's a great resource for those expecting twins and parents of twins.

Twinstuff.com -- Expecting Board (http://forums.twinstore.com/6/ubb.x?a=frm&s=36960974&f=30660829)

Good Luck with whatever you decide! We're finally going in October and this will be my twins first visit to see Mickey & Minnie! :earsboy: :earsgirl:

[Disney Ella]

I wouldn't have had much fun with the kids at that age, but all babies are different. Mine tended to be fussy and were just starting to sleep through the night at that point. I had a pretty severe case of anemia after the babies were born and at three months, I still wouldn't have been up to all that walking.

I think you would enjoy the trip more if you waited until the babies are a little older, but everyone's different. I've known (and been jealous of!) people whose babies were so calm and good-natured, they could go everywhere with their parents with little complaining. You wouldn't know it know, but mine were little demons at that age and it wouldn't have been much of a vacation if we took them anywhere when they were that little.

[mom2rb]

I would talk to your doctor. Mine was adamant about me not taking the boys around large crowds. I also don't think I would have been up for the walking at that time. Between the C-section, the lack of sleep, and taking care of two newborns it would have been impossible. My boys are 6 now and we are about to go on trip number 4.

[mom2rb]

I just told my DH about your trip. He wanted me to come back and say that he can think of no greater he!! than taking 3 month old twins to DW. He is such a smooth talker.

[grlzmom]

As mother to seven (the youngest being 2 1/2 year old twins), and a nurse, I agree with previous posters. I would not take them during flu/rsv season, especially when they will be so young. Travelling during the winter would be out completely.

I found breastfeeding the twins to be way easier than dealing with formula and bottles.

A talk with your pediatrician will be helpful and they can give you the best advice with when to travel. Ours were born in December at 34 weeks and the doctor said absolutely nowhere but doctor visits until April when RSV season was over.

We are disney fanatics and waiting until they were six months old (and summertime) was painful but worked out great. We didnt have to lug the infant carseats (since they could just about manage highchairs) through the parks and it was worth the wait.

Parenting twins is an incredible adventure and you will love it.

[fanofmickey]

Another mom of twins here (9 yr old boys) agreeing with the majority of posters - waiting until they are a bit older would be better. It seems like the parents of twins are voting for waiting, and the parents of singletons are voting for going. As a mom who had two singletons before her twins, I can definitely say that there is NO comparison! Taking care of one newborn is way easier than taking care of two. I encourage you to seek out a local chapter of the Mothers of Twins Club and join - the advice and comraderie you will get there will be invaluable to you, especially in the first couple of years. I wish you happy, healthy babies! :flower:

[beattyfamily]

Another mom of twins here (9 yr old boys) agreeing with the majority of posters - waiting until they are a bit older would be better. It seems like the parents of twins are voting for waiting, and the parents of singletons are voting for going. As a mom who had two singletons before her twins, I can definitely say that there is NO comparison! Taking care of one newborn is way easier than taking care of two. I encourage you to seek out a local chapter of the Mothers of Twins Club and join - the advice and comraderie you will get there will be invaluable to you, especially in the first couple of years. I wish you happy, healthy babies! :flower:

I'm one of the moms of singeltons who replied to her question, which wasn't "Should I go?" but "any advice?". She's already booked it and maybe she can't cancel. It would be GREAT if some more moms of twins gave her advice for being in WDW with twins in case she goes anyway....

[RedRuby]

I'm one of the moms of singeltons who replied to her question, which wasn't "Should I go?" but "any advice?". She's already booked it and maybe she can't cancel. It would be GREAT if some more moms of twins gave her advice for being in WDW with twins in case she goes anyway....


Well, I think the fact that NONE of the parents of multiples suggested going at that stage is a pretty strong indication of the realities of newborn multiples. December is a fair ways off, and it's extremely unlikely that the OP can't cancel. And, it may be worth whatever penalties there *might* be, to wait because so much of life with multiples is unpredictable.

I'd also keep the comments of the mothers of singletons *and* twins in mind; they've done ith 'both ways' and can give perhaps an even more helpful view. It is a common saying (nearly a mantra) in "twin -circles" (including higher order multiples, too!) that "They just don't understand", they meaning people with singletons who haven't been around multiples.

And heck, part of it depends on the personality/habits of the baby, too. I know some singletn babies who would have been difficult to impossible to travel with at that age!

Basically I feel the evidence and risks are too overwhelming for me in good conscience to suggest that the OP make plans to go when her twins will be so young. I wouldn't automatically discount a last minute trip *once* she and her partner/husband have experienced life with twins. No matter how much anyone tries to educate you about it...it's just different and more work and overwhelming at times.
(Not to mention often *much* more expensive than predicted, for a number of factors).

If the OP had said, yes, we're going at all costs, I'd still probably have tried to add to the information she has, to assist (if I could) in her making an informed decision. The problem is, the way she'll be best informed is by being there, and doing that (as a mother / parent of twins).

All of that to say --- I think there's a good reason none of the people with *experience* with newborn twins made posts to support the trip. Also, there might not be anything specific to taking care of twins at WDW versus anywhere else, it's more the idea of having any time to do anything other than look after one baby after the other after the other in a never ending cycle. Literally. Getting a shower some days is an achievement!

[The Disney Bunch]

My twins were 10 months old when we went - It was tough but we managed with help from my parents. Be sure to plan a mid-day break - you and the babies will need it - at that point you might be just getting some sleep & will be tired - I know I was. Drink plenty of water- be sure you know where the baby station is in each park - There is only one in each park & they are not near the entrances! You may wish to bring the individual packs of formula for those times that you are unable to nurse the babies out, for whatever reason. Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes & clothes -

I know Beattyfamily meant well in requesting that people give you advice to use on your trip rather than advice period but I am with the other posters - You may wish to re-consider your visit - talk to your doctor and the babies pediatrician about going- It appears you are due sometime in September but you don't know under what circumstances you may deliver - my babies ended up being 4 lbs each (& I went to 39 weeks & a day - mine were born in January) & our doctor asked us to restrict any outside of the home time for the first 4 months. You will find when you do get to leave the house that people tend to stop you and talk to you about twins & they are not shy about touching them - even when you ask them not to. I had people try to pick them up - people are also very inconsiderate about coming near babies when they are sick - they don't the common sense things about babies doesn't apply to them. Also bear in mind that not only would you be going in flu & RSV season - your babies will also not be immunized for a large number of diseases yet. There are people attending WDW from countries that may or may not be sick with something that your babies can contract & not be protecte from.

Hopefully you will have many visits to WDW with your family - risking their health at such a young time is a risk I wouldn't take. The trip isn't for them at that age.

Enjoy your babies -a friend who had twins gave us some advice that I wish I had taken - sleep & when you think you have slept enough - sleep some more because for the first couple of months - you don't sleep - I always figured if I got 2 hours a day I was doing great! Somedays I wasn't sure if I was wearing underwear! It is exhausting but exhilarating!

if you have any questions about twins- please feel free to email me :) Get Dr. Barbara Luke's book about what to expect when expeting multiples- wonderful book!

[GaTech]

As a Dad of twins that went they were 3 1/2 months old and again at 11 months old, I say "Go and have a great time!" The twins(DS & DD) are now 1 and we also have a DS 8 and a DD 3. Being Mr. Obvious here, you will have to be flexible to meet the needs of the babies. Hey, a trip to Disney that you don't get to do everything you usually do is still better than not going at all. If you have questions about naps, nursing, rides, etc I'll let you know how we did it and maybe it will help.

[pjupton]

It would be GREAT if some more moms of twins gave her advice for being in WDW with twins in case she goes anyway....

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins?

Go ahead and rent a wheelchair or ECV for your entire stay because there is no way you'll be able to tour the parks after having an emergency c-section, nearly dying, and spending 5 days in the ICU.

You'll want to bring along your hospital-grade rental breast pump, since you'll need to pump after every feeding to increase your milk supply - being dreadfully ill does not make for an abundance of milk. Don't forget your nursing supplementer and tape to attach the tubes to your nipples since your babies are inefficient nursers who require supplementing at every feeding.

Actually, don't bother buying park tickets for yourself since you'll spend most of your time on the couch at the resort nursing the babies. Probably no need for DH to have tickets either since he'll need to pick up the slack on baby care and will be too sleep deprived to enjoy it.

Plan for your parents to bring you back take out from whatever restaurant they go to. There's no point in going to a restaurant because one or both of the babies will likely cry the whole time anyway. You and DH can eat the take out while you each hold a baby. You'll likely be nursing the one you are holding while you eat.

Am I being sarcastic? Yep. Am I describing what our experience was like? Absolutely. Does it happen to everyone? Nope - some moms of multiples carry their babies to 40 weeks, have unmedicated non-surgical (the smut filter blocked the word for the way babies are born that doesn't require surgery) births, take their happy healthy babies home the next day and jump right back into their prior routines. But not many. I tried to say this in a nice way in my first post on this topic. There are never guarantees in pregnancy & childbirth, but much less so with multiples. I worried and worried the whole pregnancy that the babies would come too early, be sick, and go to the NICU. Turns out they were fine. I was the one who was very, very sick. Babies were actually discharged from the hospital 5 days before I was.

It is only June. The OP booked for December. I doubt she'd be losing much money if she canceled now. It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies. NFW would I go.

[beattyfamily]

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins?

Go ahead and rent a wheelchair or ECV for your entire stay because there is no way you'll be able to tour the parks after having an emergency c-section, nearly dying, and spending 5 days in the ICU.

You'll want to bring along your hospital-grade rental breast pump, since you'll need to pump after every feeding to increase your milk supply - being dreadfully ill does not make for an abundance of milk. Don't forget your nursing supplementer and tape to attach the tubes to your nipples since your babies are inefficient nursers who require supplementing at every feeding.

Actually, don't bother buying park tickets for yourself since you'll spend most of your time on the couch at the resort nursing the babies. Probably no need for DH to have tickets either since he'll need to pick up the slack on baby care and will be too sleep deprived to enjoy it.

Plan for your parents to bring you back take out from whatever restaurant they go to. There's no point in going to a restaurant because one or both of the babies will likely cry the whole time anyway. You and DH can eat the take out while you each hold a baby. You'll likely be nursing the one you are holding while you eat.

Am I being sarcastic? Yep. Am I describing what our experience was like? Absolutely. Does it happen to everyone? Nope - some moms of multiples carry their babies to 40 weeks, have unmedicated non-surgical (the smut filter blocked the word for the way babies are born that doesn't require surgery) births, take their happy healthy babies home the next day and jump right back into their prior routines. But not many. I tried to say this in a nice way in my first post on this topic. There are never guarantees in pregnancy & childbirth, but much less so with multiples. I worried and worried the whole pregnancy that the babies would come too early, be sick, and go to the NICU. Turns out they were fine. I was the one who was very, very sick. Babies were actually discharged from the hospital 5 days before I was.

It is only June. The OP booked for December. I doubt she'd be losing much money if she canceled now. It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies. NFW would I go.

Boy, some here are pretty touchy :rolleyes: We certainly agree on this part: "It is up to her. It is her trip and her babies".

I don't think I said anything whatsoever to get anyone in a tizzy. I feel SO sorry for the OP though.

[pjupton]

Boy, some here are pretty touchy

Yep. Still pretty touchy about it all. You probably would be too if you'd lived though it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. And I'd hate to see someone lose lots of money on a vacation they couldn't take if it happened to them.

She asked for advice. You suggested we give some. I did.

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

[beattyfamily]

Yep. Still pretty touchy about it all. You probably would be too if you'd lived though it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. And I'd hate to see someone lose lots of money on a vacation they couldn't take if it happened to them.

She asked for advice. You suggested we give some. I did.

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

Maybe and maybe not (I'd be touchy too). I don't have twins but I did have a C-section and breastfed.

FYI...I said in my OP that I wouldn't go myself until my kids were at least one.

Yeah, you gave her advice but you also quoted me so I responded.

I still feel REALLY bad for the poor OP who wanted advice on bringing twins to Disney (not whether she should do it or not). I hope she hasn't been scared away. :sad2:

[GaTech]

I think the only parent of multiples who said "go" was a dad. Everyone else said "save the trip for later". That's pretty telling about WHY no one has advice about what she should do if she goes.

My wife says she has no regrets about going either. We tried to limit the time the babies were in the park. For example, I would take my older 2 kids to the park in the morning while my wife took care of the babies. At lunch we would swap kids. My wife would go to the park with the older 2 while I took care of the babies. We have a van and were able to make the switch at the TTC Kennel parking lot. For the most part the babies slept in the room or in the van but we did take them to the park in the late afternoon when it wasn't as warm. We were there in October and it wasn't that crowded. The down side to this adventure was the coordination it took to make the switches and my wife & I didn't see each other much during the day. We still had a great time!

[krahema]

Hmmm... my advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW based on my own personal experiences with having 3 month old twins? ...



I kind of agree with you, pjupton. I must say, your recent posts have been pretty harsh, but they do tell the truth! I also, in my previous post tried to be as gentle as possible in saying that 3 month old twins are very unpredictable, but the truth of it is, most mothers of twins are at wits end around 3 months.

My word of advice is to cancel the trip and wait to rebook until November, when you have had some time with your babies and know your health status and theirs.

I didn't have the same experience as pjupton, but there were some similarities. My girls were born via emergency c-section at 32 weeks. Fortunately they were quite healthy for that stage and "only" had to spend 18 days in the NICU. Mind you we had some of the healthiest girls in the NICU and it still cost 100's of thousands of dollars. Fortunately we have great insurance, but still it cost us a good amount out-of-pocket.

I had the best of intentions of nursing the babies, but after 6 weeks of attempting to breastfeed and pumping 8-10 times a day to try and keep producing milk, I very sadly gave up. I don't need any breastfeeding proponent to tell me what my daughters and I missed out on - I've been hard enough on myself. I wish I had had more realistic expectations going into it.

At three months, I had been getting up numerous times every night for 3 months. Even though I new that 2 babies would be a lot of work, I wasn't prepared for the extreme exhaustion I would feel.

My biggest concern for the OP is the risk of RSV and/or other illnesses. RSV is very serious and December is about the peak of the season. They are immune-booster shots that her babies will probably get if they are born more than a month early, but it doesn't reduce the risk of getting RSV, it just minimizes the symtoms. These shots are extremely expensive - some insurance companies won't even cover them. Many people sacrafice a lot to afford to pay for these shots for their children.

If you are flying to Orlando, chances of their being an air-borne illness floating around on the plane are great. You and I might be able to fight it off, but any three month old baby, let alone a baby that was born prematurely would be much more likely to catch it.

Also, as a previous poster mentioned, you babies will probably have gone through only one set of immunizations at 3 months. And, as the PP stated, people come from all over the world to WDW - many of which do not have the same immunities as we in the US do.

I know that the OP was only looking for suggestions on how to make the trip easier with 3 month old twins, but I am just trying to point out that there are some serious considerations to be made before taking a trip like this. There are many of us who have walked a long road in dealing with premature multiples (and singletons for that matter). Quite frankly, after going through the ordeal I did with my girls, it makes me kind of upset that something like this isn't being taken more seriously. I'm not saying that to upset anyone else, but I am just being honest, based upon my experience.

I really hope that the OP has a perfect pregnancy and carries here babies to full term, has a text-book delivery, has 2 babies that latch on the first time they go to breast, and are healthier than most singleton newborns. But, she should just be prepared for the possibility that it won't go quite as smoothly and she may have to cancel the trip last minute.

By the way, is the OP still looking at this thread, or has it just turned into a debate between responding posters? (I'm saying this in a friendly way :earsboy: )

[pjupton]

I kind of agree with you, pjupton. I must say, your recent posts have been pretty harsh, but they do tell the truth!

Well, I didn't mean to get quite so sarcastic, but really, the reason why none of the mother of twins (GaTech and his wife excepted) had any advice for taking 3 month old twins to WDW is that no one who had been there and done that would DREAM of making the trip. I truly mean no offense to Beattyfamily or any of the other singleton moms who responded, but like RedRuby said, "they just don't understand". Having a surgical birth and nursing a singleton can in no way compare to having a surgical birth, nursing two, and otherwise caring for twice the number of normal newborns.

I had the best of intentions of nursing the babies,

I'm sorry you didn't get to nurse your girls. It sounds like you worked very, very hard at it and it is a shame it didn't work. 32 weekers, no matter how healthy, often have a very difficult time getting it together to nurse in the beginning and have an even worse time transitioning to breast when they are older.


Quite frankly, after going through the ordeal I did with my girls, it makes me kind of upset that something like this isn't being taken more seriously. I'm not saying that to upset anyone else, but I am just being honest, based upon my experience.

Me too.


I really hope that the OP has a perfect pregnancy and carries here babies to full term, has a text-book delivery, has 2 babies that latch on the first time they go to breast, and are healthier than most singleton newborns. But, she should just be prepared for the possibility that it won't go quite as smoothly and she may have to cancel the trip last minute.

Me too. WDW will always be there. I wanted to go last year, but I didn't. I'm actually worried that I'm being selfish by planning our upcoming trip when they'll be 22 months and I wonder if I should wait until they are older.


By the way, is the OP still looking at this thread, or has it just turned into a debate between responding posters? (I'm saying this in a friendly way :earsboy: )

Hehehe. Probably not. It's just you, me, Beattyfamily, and GaTech left at this point. Maybe RedRuby too if I know her!

[shaylahc]

Hi! Your post caught my attention and even though I have been a long time lurker, I had to register just to add MTCW :rotfl:

Last December we traveled to WDW with our 4 kids then ages 7, 5, 3 and 2 months. I had *assumed* my 2 month old son wouldn't be much trouble because after all, don't 2 months old spend most of their time sleeping??? :confused3 Well let me tell you---my son did NOT like the change in his routine at ALL! First of all we drove 12 hours each way which means we spent about 6 hours each way listening to my son scream bloody murder because he did not want to be in his car seat. Then he insisted on being carried everywhere at the parks and would scream if we tried to put him down. Then to boot he refused to sleep more than 30 minutes at a time because he was in a strange environment and it upset him.

As if trying to wrangle a 7, 5, and 3 year old wasn't enough, we had the baby from hell to contend with, too :rolleyes: Let me tell you---FUN is not the word I would use to describe that trip. My DH and I were totally exhausted by the time we got home. We all lost weight from the sheer exertion of carrying a 15 lbs infant for miles a day and getting virtually no sleep. Looking back I have to wonder what I was smoking to think taking a 2 month old to Disney was a good idea :rotfl:

When I hear someone mention taking 3 month old twins all I can say is don't do it to yourself! A trip to Disney is not cheap, and babies are unpredictable. No way would I spend that kind of money to visit Disney when I know the odds of having a nightmare situation pop up are very high. Babies do NOT like changes in their schedules and routines and I can't imagine with 2 babies in a hotel room that anyone would be getting much sleep. How much fun is anyone going to have when they are sleep deprived and exhausted?

I also agree with others who mention concerns about the flu and RSV season.

I would say save your money, and when the babies are older (1+) you could go back and know that everyone will have a lot more fun.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! :Pinkbounc

[minnie61650]

Hi! Your post caught my attention and even though I have been a long time lurker, I had to register just to add MTCW :rotfl:

... When I hear someone mention taking 3 month old twins all I can say is don't do it to yourself! A trip to Disney is not cheap, and babies are unpredictable. No way would I spend that kind of money to visit Disney when I know the odds of having a nightmare situation pop up are very high. Babies do NOT like changes in their schedules and routines and I can't imagine with 2 babies in a hotel room that anyone would be getting much sleep. How much fun is anyone going to have when they are sleep deprived and exhausted?

I also agree with others who mention concerns about the flu and RSV season.

I would say save your money, and when the babies are older (1+) you could go back and know that everyone will have a lot more fun.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! :Pinkbounc

I am a 55 year old grandma and I also agree with most of other posters on the board.
Your babies haven't been born yet so you don't know how healthy they will be or how well you will be feeling.

The RSV and Flu are very real threats to little ones.
You said you are WDW vets so it's not like you have planned this trip for years and it's only chance to go.
I also love Disney and I know it will be a bit of a let down to have postpone your trip but for the well being of your precious little ones you should wait a while longer.
Just think if you wait a few more months till the little ones are able sit up they will be able to see all the wonderful sights and colors Disney has to offer.You will be so glad you waited. :Pinkbounc :bounce:
Good luck with your pregnacy and may those little ones be happy and healthy.
Linda ::MinnieMo
Only 97 more days :banana:
Our 3 year old grandson will meet Mickey for the first time :cheer2: :cheer2:

[ozzyla]

I have taken my twins twice to Disneyworld once when they were 11 months, then at 4, and we are going next month, they will be almost 6. I recommend you stay as close to a transport (bus stop) if at all possible. Be prepared for changing weather, we went in November (when they were 11 months old), then had pneumonia before the week was out. I wouldn't recommend it, but sometimes we don't get to choose on family trips.

[rgribik]

:) Hi again, I am still watching the posts, I wonder what the op thinks now too. I am also glad the other moms of twins(with the 1 exception) agree. I just wanted to add after reading that it comes down to a question of not can it be done, but should it be done? We skipped our annual family trip the year the twins were born(they would have been 3 months) and waited until a cooler time of the year when they turned 11 months. Sure it can be done, and if she does it I hope she comes back and says every thing was great(like the one poster, but that didn't sound like a vacation to me) but I would hate to be the mom who's kids come back sick because I wanted to go to Disney. People tend to think nothing bad happens in Dis. Like, can a 4 year old go on mission space, and can they love it----sure---but should they go on at 4? We all have to make those calls for our kids, I just don't want to be the one going ---It was some one else's fault my kids got hurt, or why did I do that?(and I'm not really over protective, after 5 kids you loosen up a bit).

[RedRuby]

Me too. WDW will always be there. I wanted to go last year, but I didn't. I'm actually worried that I'm being selfish by planning our upcoming trip when they'll be 22 months and I wonder if I should wait until they are older.

Hehehe. Probably not. It's just you, me, Beattyfamily, and GaTech left at this point. Maybe RedRuby too if I know her!

:rotfl: - I wasn't around but am now catching up :-)

[Skamper_Five]

I'm the mother of 4yr old twins and I really recommend not going to Disney w/ 3mo old twins. If you go, plan on spending most of your time "relaxing" around the resort and little time in the parks. Twins are wonderful but they are also exhausting and it's a big adjustment. You will have plenty of time to take them to Disney when they're older. :flower:

[Jackson4]

I totally understand - We are going in August with my husbands family. I have a 2 yr old and a 3 month old (that I am breastfeeding) and I have no idea what to expect. At least you know you will have some help there. Good Luck!

[Loops]

Personally, I wouldn't go with 3 month old twins. But everyone is different, all the power to you if you go....if you do go please let us know how it went.

I had my twins in November and we kept them out of very public places. The only trips we really took them on were to the doctor's office for their monthly check-ups.

We took our twin Boys (and DD-5 at the time) to Disney when they turned 1....it was easy.....we just made our second trip there this past April and they are 2 1/2 (DD 6)......boy was that a lot of work because they are at the age they don't want to be in the stroller. I personally would wait until they are at least 1 year old.

I strongly recommend you check with your OB and pediatrician and see what they have to say. December is RSV/Flu season. My twins were born at 35 weeks and one of them had to spend a little time in the NICU.....I had a problem free pregnancy.

Good luck!

:earsboy: :earsboy:
princess:

[The Disney Bunch]

Maybe and maybe not (I'd be touchy too). I don't have twins but I did have a C-section and breastfed.


Right there you disqualified yourself from giving advice - you do not have twins & have no idea of what it is like - It is not peaches & cream - it is exhausting - even for mothers who had wonderful pregnancies & deliveries.

What did the OP decide?

[beattyfamily]

Right there you disqualified yourself from giving advice - you do not have twins & have no idea of what it is like - It is not peaches & cream - it is exhausting - even for mothers who had wonderful pregnancies & deliveries.

What did the OP decide?

:rotfl: I can certainly give advice if I want to, to anyone who asks and then they, in turn, have the option to take it or leave it. :teeth: I will continue to give advice to anyone who asks whether I have first hand experience with it or not. So only certain people with certain life experiences can give advice on those topics? I disagree completely.

FYI, if you read my first post, I told her I'd personally not do it until my kids were over 1 years old.

Why oh why can't this thread just die? :confused3

[Disneyrsh]

We went to Disney at the beginning of January with my 4 month old and just under 2 year old. I breastfed everywhere in Disney with no problem (discreetly). She didn't catch RSV and we had an easy time of it.

However, we have been in the park where they've both come down with strep throat.

I asked my best friend who does have twins-easy birth, full term, she had no problem bouncing back-in other words, the best of all worlds, if she would have done Disney when they were three months old.

She says she would have done it at a not busy time if she had lots of help with her.

She says she thinks it would have been tough to go with them from 10 months to 4 years old because they're much more demanding at that age. 3 months, she felt, were basically lumps that slept a lot and could be toted around. Older than 4 and they have some good reasoning skills and could be easier managed in the parks.

I think the OP will have a much better idea of where she's at once she has the babies, and I don't think it was helpful for everyone to chime in with their baby horror stories--you NEVER tell a pregnant women those things, what's wrong with you all???

[beattyfamily]

We went to Disney at the beginning of January with my 4 month old and just under 2 year old. I breastfed everywhere in Disney with no problem (discreetly). She didn't catch RSV and we had an easy time of it.


But you know, according to some here, you (and I) aren't qualified to give advice because you (and I) do not have twins.... ;)

[Disneyrsh]

The original poster expressed concerns about breastfeeding.

I exclusively breastfed both daughters while in Disney, so, in fact, I am qualified to opine on whether Disney is a friendly and conducive place to breastfeed.

It is.

And who died and put you in charge? Certainly not me.

[beattyfamily]

The original poster expressed concerns about breastfeeding.

I exclusively breastfed both daughters while in Disney, so, in fact, I am qualified to opine on whether Disney is a friendly and conducive place to breastfeed.

It is.

And who died and put you in charge? Certainly not me.

ITA :cheer2: :banana: :worship:

[ladyelle]

I would also postpone the trip until the babies were older.

[rgribik]

:rolleyes: It is time to let this one go, since the op has never responded. But that said: to the moms of singles out there having a fit, you can not imagine what it is to have twins. This I know from experience. I had 3 single births and when they told me I was having twins, I thought no sweat-- I already have 3 girls, what more do I need to know. I was put to bed for 3 months, had a 1st time c-section, and was totally exhaused. Twins are so, so neat---but they are major work. I was up all the time until I got them both sleeping and eating at the same hours, then I had to feed, diaper and get 2 babies settled(plus take care of the other kids). Just to go anywhere is a juggling lesson(I did most things myself, without any help). And not to scare a pregnant woman, but with twins the doctors take special care, which means more appointments, sonograms, and tests. Then the peds, did caution us about RSV, for some reason it shows up more in twins. So not to knock single moms(I was one 3 times), but I now say, I don't know how moms of triplets can do it!

[beattyfamily]

to the moms of singles out there having a fit, you can not imagine what it is to have twins.

I'd love to know which 'single' moms are having a fit and about what? :confused3

And who said we (mom's of singles) could imagine what it's like to have twins? :confused3

[rgribik]

:Pinkbounc Whoa, wait a minute, I just wanted to explain what it is like having twins, I didn't want anyone to think their opinion about babies in Dis, wasn't important(like the beattyfamily) I was just trying to explain why twins were different. And to Disneyrsh, who wanted the horror stories stopped, I was trying to show why so many with twins, had different problems, you do have to be extra careful. Don't want to start a debate about who knows more--single or double moms---I have been both! Sorry.......

[Disneyrsh]

:Pinkbounc Whoa, wait a minute, I just wanted to explain what it is like having twins, I didn't want anyone to think their opinion about babies in Dis, wasn't important(like the beattyfamily) I was just trying to explain why twins were different. And to Disneyrsh, who wanted the horror stories stopped, I was trying to show why so many with twins, had different problems, you do have to be extra careful. Don't want to start a debate about who knows more--single or double moms---I have been both! Sorry.......

Yeah, I don't think *you* were telling the horror stories, just how doctors treat multiple pregnancies differently because they're automatically considered high risk, but there were some posts that were just horrific, and I remember when I was pregnant I couldn't bear to listen to stuff like that.

That's probably why the OP never posted again-she couldn't bear to read about what *could* happen to her babies. Which is a bummer because I think she did probably miss out on some good info.

I think what threads like this will always come down to is that everyone is different, and it's impossible to predict for someone what their experience at Disney will be.

Which is what I'll probably stick to now since I see these 'should I take so and so at so and so a time to disney?' at least once a day!

[poohluvrs]

Hi, I just wanted to give some honest input to this mom-to-be, first of all we all have different experiences which makes us all different & that's a good thing! The OP is a much braver person than I for even considering this, & if she feels comfortable w/ who she's going w/ to help her out & is realistic about the fact this will not be a typical relaxing vacation, but memorable all the same, then (assuming all healthy & Dr ok'd) she should take the opportunity, life is short!

HOWEVER! being a Mom of twins, I can personally attest to the fact that I did not even leave my house for the majority of the 1st 5 or 6 months after my babies were born, they were in good health thankfully, I recovered w/ in a few weeks from c-sect., but I was wiped, being a Mom to twins is not double the work of a singleton, it is mathematically so much more than that, I slept about an hour a day the 1st 3 months, taking a shower or planning to get to the grocery store was an unlikely event, never mind travelling to Disney, but that's just me, Again, we were all healthy...but I wouldn't have even considered it...JMHO....so please, I hope OP has enough info to make the decision thats right for her & her family...and good luck to you for a healthy birth! :wizard:

[Twigs]

Another mother of twins here. I know this has been beaten to death, but just wanted to relate my experience. My twins were premies by c/s at 33 weeks (which was a total surprise as I had a very easy pregnancy up till then). They were healthy and besides being small 4# 4oz and 3# 15 oz, they just needed to gain weight before they were released from the NICU, (they were breathing on their own). For the first 6 mos. I averaged 2 hours sleep a night. I breastfed, but because of the schedule from the hospital I had to wake and feed them every 2 hours. The whole routine of waking, feeding and changing them took approx 1 1/2 hrs. Then when I didn't need to wake them, they were used to the routine and woke on their own. I knew the sleep deprivation was a very good possibility because I read everything about twins that I could find while I was pregnant. I wanted to know exactly what I was in store for and it really helped me get through it. The bottom line is until the babies come you have no way of knowing what kind of routine you will be in, and if it is even physically possible for you.