cissy
Kindness is Strength
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2007
Okay, with a fourteen year old and a four year old, you have some thinking to do about the way you tour the parks.
First, I absolutely must agree with EVERYONE who is telling you to drop the DDP and spend a lot less time eating at the parks. This is not dine and dash, my friend! Some of these meals are going to set you back HOURS in each park. Crystal Palace can be 2 hours wait time to finish, for example. And, truthfully, some of the places you are choosing are not that great and not worth your time or the extra money. Check some threads on the restaurants you are considering and you may change you mind.
For example, Jiko was one of the best places DH and I ate but I am SOOOO glad I took advice from people on this board and did not take the kids. It was much more "formal" than anywhere else we ate and we did not see any other children in the restaurant that night (and we had ressies at 7pm). I know there are probably people who bring their kids to eat there but I am glad that we didn't. If we had wanted to take our kids, I think we would have chosen BOMA instead. Lots of noise and kids it looked like a fun time.
Next, what is the 14 year old going to do while the four year old rides Dumbo, Small Word and Peter Pan? What if the four year old wants to go on them all five times? (and she will!!) What if the 4 year old HATES Space Mountain (or is too small to get on) while the teen LOVES it? So, not to put a damper on your vacation, but these things should be talked about before you go. The last thing you need is a sulk(ier) teen or a melted down preschooler.
So, just think about the possibility of splitting up before or after lunch on some of your days. It may make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. And, although we have not cruised with the kids, I would think the age difference would be much easier for everyone onboard vs at the parks.
Finally, let me say that the BBB was one of the highlights of our trip. Our two DD's, 5 and 6, LOVED it. It was worth every penny. But, again, the whole thing took about two hours so be prepared. This could be one of your best opportunities to let the teen and DH head over to the older rides while you and the little one have some bonding time.
ENJOY!!
First, I absolutely must agree with EVERYONE who is telling you to drop the DDP and spend a lot less time eating at the parks. This is not dine and dash, my friend! Some of these meals are going to set you back HOURS in each park. Crystal Palace can be 2 hours wait time to finish, for example. And, truthfully, some of the places you are choosing are not that great and not worth your time or the extra money. Check some threads on the restaurants you are considering and you may change you mind.
For example, Jiko was one of the best places DH and I ate but I am SOOOO glad I took advice from people on this board and did not take the kids. It was much more "formal" than anywhere else we ate and we did not see any other children in the restaurant that night (and we had ressies at 7pm). I know there are probably people who bring their kids to eat there but I am glad that we didn't. If we had wanted to take our kids, I think we would have chosen BOMA instead. Lots of noise and kids it looked like a fun time.
Next, what is the 14 year old going to do while the four year old rides Dumbo, Small Word and Peter Pan? What if the four year old wants to go on them all five times? (and she will!!) What if the 4 year old HATES Space Mountain (or is too small to get on) while the teen LOVES it? So, not to put a damper on your vacation, but these things should be talked about before you go. The last thing you need is a sulk(ier) teen or a melted down preschooler.
So, just think about the possibility of splitting up before or after lunch on some of your days. It may make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. And, although we have not cruised with the kids, I would think the age difference would be much easier for everyone onboard vs at the parks.
Finally, let me say that the BBB was one of the highlights of our trip. Our two DD's, 5 and 6, LOVED it. It was worth every penny. But, again, the whole thing took about two hours so be prepared. This could be one of your best opportunities to let the teen and DH head over to the older rides while you and the little one have some bonding time.
ENJOY!!