On a mini vacation now..and now re-thinking all my ADRs for next week! What to do??

[JUJU814]

Ok..so, this week, I'm at Cape Cod with my 5 and 7 year old and am taking care of my 90 year old grandmother while my mom is away.

I have just had a small nightmare of an evening and now I'm re-thinking adrs next week. We leave for Disney saturday. I have an ADR every evening..and then usually another one either for breakfast at our resort (we love breakfast) or a lunch at the end of a park day. (we always get to the park when it opens and are done by 12-1)

However...tonight..oh yes, tonight..miserable! I took my kids to the beach today and they had a blast. They were tired this afternoon. I got them freshened up and ready to go out to eat after an afternoon rest and took them and my nana out to eat. She is extremely high maintenance..difficulty walking, memory loss etc.

It was sort of 1/2 counter service..1/2 sit down. My kids were spent. They were restless, tired..I was tired. Mind you, on normal days, we have no trouble taking them out...they are great..but this was aweful. I'm not sure if it's because I was "alone"..taking care of them and nana or what.

For 2 months I've had visions of perfect park mornings followed by blissful afternoons at the resort pool, sipping a lapu lapu or whatever the heck that thing is called...a refreshing nap and taking my perfectly coiffed children to a lovely dinner out in dd's custom boutique dresses and ds's preppy shorts and collared shirts.

Right now I'm thinking..the heck with all that! They are going to be dead tired and miserable...and then I'm going to be miserable, and the week after, someone is going to be posting here about that OBNOXIOUS mother at the restaurant that was picking at her kids the whole time...and they're going to be talking about Me!!!!!!

Am I crazy to have an ADR every night?? One night, we have an Ohana for 8:15 and gosh darnit I want to keep that one! It's late, but I have never eaten there and I really want to. Listen to me.."I" want to. So I guess it's all about ME huh?

Do any of you totally go with the flow with dinners and just beat to the drum of your kiddos?

My 5 year old is the one who really gets cranky when overtired..and 7 year old is good, but *very* restless/hyperactive. He has adhd and literally cannot sit still.

What would you do?

Julie

[dzneelvr]

I'd say relax and see what each day brings. You can always cancel out if someone is in a meltdown or the heat/fatigue becomes a factor. It sounds like you have your family's day structured around a regular schedule and with naps and downtime at the resort, you'll be ready to hit your RS and the park for the evening festivities. Skip any early morning ADRS so everyone can sleep in and remember your kids won't mind eating in the resort and then going back to the pool, rather than an elaborate TS, so don't sweat it.

[Darcy03231]

I took my niece to WDW last fall (she was four, just shy of her 5th birthday). We had ADR's every night and it was fine. What I found worked best for us was to get up early and get to the parks. We stayed until about 12-1 p.m. and then went back to the resort for lunch, a swim and a rest. We then went back to the parks for a while, had dinner, and after dinner went back to the resort for another swim and bed (I tried to have her bathed and in bed by 10 most nights). We did have a couple of late nights and on those days I just let her sleep the next morning until she woke up. We had one meltdown the entire trip as we were leaving the park. She wanted to stay and ride the rides and I don't think she understood the concept of the park was closing and all the rides were shut down. Once we were on the bus back to the resort she was fine.

I would keep the ADRs. If you find they aren't working for you, you can always cancel while you're there.

[cnktruitt]

Originally Posted by Darcy03231

I would keep the ADRs. If you find they aren't working for you, you can always cancel while you're there.

I agree with Darcy if for no other reason than it might be very difficult to get into a TS meal if you cancel it & change your mind later. And keep Ohana no matter what, it is booked out solid.

[dolfinjuls]

We had a table service scheduled for every night and I was a little worried about it. We scheduled them between 6 and 6:30 every night. Well we were hungry around 5 every night! So we always went to the restaurant early, usually an hour to 30 mins early and were always seated either right away or w/in 15 mins. So I'd say keep the ressies and if you think it's not going to work go for a counter service instead. If you know ahead of time just call and let them know so someone else might be able to get it.

[amamax2]

I agree with everyone else - keep them and then play it day by day.

I do think some of the "nightmare" last night was because you are taking care of your grandma - usually my boys are really great when traveling, but I can't even tell you how often they act up whenever we are visiting my mom! It is soooo embarrassing - and they are almost 11 & 13!!

[brergnat]

I'm going to be the voice of dissent here.

You are going on Saturday...as in THIS Saturday? Have you been keeping up on the reports of how HOT, HUMID, and CROWDED the parks have been? You need to go in there with a realistic idea of what you are about to embark on.

Will you have help on this trip? Or, will it be just you and the kids again?

I think you are right to be worried. I have similar kids, though mine are only 5 and 3, but they are the same way. When they get overtired, ONE of them gets HYPERACTIVE (he has autism, and we think ADHD as well) and the other one, the younger one, just becomes a total drama queen, cranky pants, crying, whining B-R-A-T. A sit down meal at times like that very quickly becomes a nightmare scenario, and it happens HERE at home, at places that we frequent, just the same way it does when we travel, so it makes no difference here nor there. The novelty of being somewhere "new" doesn't help the situation...it actually makes it worse, for us.

You should probably plan to skip some of those ADR's. Keep them scheduled, but keep that 800-WDW-DINE number on speed dial on your cell phone, so you can cancel if you aren't going to make your ADR.

I think that something parents fail to realize is that an "afternoon break at the pool" is neither relaxing NOR restful for KIDS. They expend a LOT of energy swimming. WE take our kids to our community pool when we want to tire them out on the weekends and put them to bed early. If I were you, I'd perhaps go COMPLETELY against ALL the advice you always hear. If swimming at the resort pool is a priority for your kids, and RELAXING is a priority for YOU, keep your breakfast ADR's (since your kids will probably be up early anyway) and then, instead of hitting the parks, HIT THE RESORT POOL while everyone else is at the parks! Have a quick CS lunch at one of the monorail resorts (I take it from you post you will be at the Poly?) and then return to your hotel during the hottest part of the day for a NAP! Force some quiet down time on your kids! Darken the room, turn the t.v. on low, and try to encourage a nap, or at least some quiet t.v. time. Around 4-5pm, head out to a park for a few hours, then your dinner ADR, then return to the parks for a few more hours post dinner (OR SKIP THE EVENING ADR every other night in favor of evening park time, when it's MUCH cooler and crowds have thinned).

I think you will find that you ALL have a much better vacation when you RELAX a bit and instead of hitting the parks full force first thing, staying in, enjoying a nice breakfast, and returning to enjoy the amenities that your resort has to offer. The parks will be open late. Your kids will probably LOVE the idea of being there after dark, and will appreciate the lower temperatures and lack of bright sun and long lines and cranky people everywhere! Plus, they will be "rested" for all that fun nighttime stuff!

[JUJU814]

Originally Posted by brergnat

I'm going to be the voice of dissent here.

You are going on Saturday...as in THIS Saturday? Have you been keeping up on the reports of how HOT, HUMID, and CROWDED the parks have been? You need to go in there with a realistic idea of what you are about to embark on.

Will you have help on this trip? Or, will it be just you and the kids again?

I think you are right to be worried. I have similar kids, though mine are only 5 and 3, but they are the same way. When they get overtired, ONE of them gets HYPERACTIVE (he has autism, and we think ADHD as well) and the other one, the younger one, just becomes a total drama queen, cranky pants, crying, whining B-R-A-T. A sit down meal at times like that very quickly becomes a nightmare scenario, and it happens HERE at home, at places that we frequent, just the same way it does when we travel, so it makes no difference here nor there. The novelty of being somewhere "new" doesn't help the situation...it actually makes it worse, for us.

You should probably plan to skip some of those ADR's. Keep them scheduled, but keep that 800-WDW-DINE number on speed dial on your cell phone, so you can cancel if you aren't going to make your ADR.

I think that something parents fail to realize is that an "afternoon break at the pool" is neither relaxing NOR restful for KIDS. They expend a LOT of energy swimming. WE take our kids to our community pool when we want to tire them out on the weekends and put them to bed early. If I were you, I'd perhaps go COMPLETELY against ALL the advice you always hear. If swimming at the resort pool is a priority for your kids, and RELAXING is a priority for YOU, keep your breakfast ADR's (since your kids will probably be up early anyway) and then, instead of hitting the parks, HIT THE RESORT POOL while everyone else is at the parks! Have a quick CS lunch at one of the monorail resorts (I take it from you post you will be at the Poly?) and then return to your hotel during the hottest part of the day for a NAP! Force some quiet down time on your kids! Darken the room, turn the t.v. on low, and try to encourage a nap, or at least some quiet t.v. time. Around 4-5pm, head out to a park for a few hours, then your dinner ADR, then return to the parks for a few more hours post dinner (OR SKIP THE EVENING ADR every other night in favor of evening park time, when it's MUCH cooler and crowds have thinned).

I think you will find that you ALL have a much better vacation when you RELAX a bit and instead of hitting the parks full force first thing, staying in, enjoying a nice breakfast, and returning to enjoy the amenities that your resort has to offer. The parks will be open late. Your kids will probably LOVE the idea of being there after dark, and will appreciate the lower temperatures and lack of bright sun and long lines and cranky people everywhere! Plus, they will be "rested" for all that fun nighttime stuff!

I never thought of doing the parks in the evening! Are they really that much less crowded? Less crowded than first thing in the morning?

I will have help..dh is coming. Although!!!!! he sprained his knee and is still in a lot of pain..we're beginning to wonder if he's going to need a wheelchair..which could end up being another royal pain.

They had a MUCH busier day today...many hours at the beach..and just had showers and we're going out to eat again. tonight I have help..my nanny is here with me at the Cape..joined us today..and nana is not coming. I'll judge how they are tonight at dinner.

I am dying to find out if the crowds really thin out..early evenings. It is a must that they are getting ready for bed by 9pm or so.

Julie

[bumbershoot]

My cousin was just there with her family Thurs through Sun and had a great time. Of course, they go often, and they live in FL, so they're used to the weather.

If your husband needs some wheels, dont' rent a chair that someone has to push; get an ECV instead. Much easier.

Watch what they are eating! So often on vacation kids get junky food all chock full of stuff that isn't in home-cooked food. Do you think there was an aspect of that in your mini-trip? My guy can't have ingredients related to corn syrup, and most snacky foods have them (including Smuckers Uncrustables, which also have high fructose corn syrup), and they make him insane and violent. Woo, what fun! Learned most of what ingredients he cannot have while at Disneyland...

So think about the differences in what they ate there vs at home, see if there's anything to it, and if so, try to help them eat "real" food without all sorts of junk.

[brergnat]

Originally Posted by JUJU814

I never thought of doing the parks in the evening! Are they really that much less crowded? Less crowded than first thing in the morning?

I will have help..dh is coming. Although!!!!! he sprained his knee and is still in a lot of pain..we're beginning to wonder if he's going to need a wheelchair..which could end up being another royal pain.

They had a MUCH busier day today...many hours at the beach..and just had showers and we're going out to eat again. tonight I have help..my nanny is here with me at the Cape..joined us today..and nana is not coming. I'll judge how they are tonight at dinner.

I am dying to find out if the crowds really thin out..early evenings. It is a must that they are getting ready for bed by 9pm or so.

Julie

The parks thin out significantly, but it's not a ghost town. Mainly due to the majority of people with small kids who are DONE by about 5pm. I'm not saying there aren't crowds, but places like Fantasyland, and all the rides with lines in excess of 45 min during the early afternoon hours...they are ALL down to usually 30 min or less. With the exception of Peter Pan...for some reason, that ride ALWAYS has a long line.

I have NEVER made a park opening at WDW. When we go, we sleep in (it's VACATION after all). We usually wake up around 9:30-10:00, eat a leisurely breakfast in room, get ready and head out when we feel like it. Most times, that's somewhere around 11am-noon. On my last trip, there were days where we didn't get into the parks until 2-3pm, because we, instead, chose to hang around the hotel and enjoy the amenities, etc. We never experienced immense lines, and STILL managed to do EVERYTHING we wanted in a few days times, multiple times, and this was over SPRING BREAK this year.

I just can't understand the concept of waking up at the crack of dawn and racing to the parks like a maniac, and running yourself and your kids ragged in the process. These people who come home and say "I need a vacation from my WDW vacation"...I mean, I can't imagine that! WDW will be there in the future...there is NO NEED to do it all in one trip! It's impossible. Leave some stuff for next time, I say. I have been to WDW over 15 times, and I've STILL got a list of things I want to do there. That's why I keep going back.

The commando style just doesn't mesh with my idea of vacation. I do commando at HOME.

The major point I am trying to make with YOUR situation is that you are going during, possibly, the HOTTEST time of the year. Your kids won't make it very long in that heat/humidity. AND, they are of the age where MOST kids just want to spend the whole day at the hotel pool. Be prepared for that, and don't be disappointed that they don't want to ride every ride, and be at the parks for rope drop, and see all the parades, and watch all the shows, etc. They can do all that stuff in time. Take advantage of their ages, and go with what will make THEM happy for now, which probably will end up meaning a more relaxing vacation for YOU and your DH, as it will likely include a LOT of time hanging poolside, sipping a Lapu-Lapu from a hollowed out pineapple.

[JUJU814]

Originally Posted by brergnat

The parks thin out significantly, but it's not a ghost town. Mainly due to the majority of people with small kids who are DONE by about 5pm. I'm not saying there aren't crowds, but places like Fantasyland, and all the rides with lines in excess of 45 min during the early afternoon hours...they are ALL down to usually 30 min or less. With the exception of Peter Pan...for some reason, that ride ALWAYS has a long line.

I have NEVER made a park opening at WDW. When we go, we sleep in (it's VACATION after all). We usually wake up around 9:30-10:00, eat a leisurely breakfast in room, get ready and head out when we feel like it. Most times, that's somewhere around 11am-noon. On my last trip, there were days where we didn't get into the parks until 2-3pm, because we, instead, chose to hang around the hotel and enjoy the amenities, etc. We never experienced immense lines, and STILL managed to do EVERYTHING we wanted in a few days times, multiple times, and this was over SPRING BREAK this year.

I just can't understand the concept of waking up at the crack of dawn and racing to the parks like a maniac, and running yourself and your kids ragged in the process. These people who come home and say "I need a vacation from my WDW vacation"...I mean, I can't imagine that! WDW will be there in the future...there is NO NEED to do it all in one trip! It's impossible. Leave some stuff for next time, I say. I have been to WDW over 15 times, and I've STILL got a list of things I want to do there. That's why I keep going back.

The commando style just doesn't mesh with my idea of vacation. I do commando at HOME.

The major point I am trying to make with YOUR situation is that you are going during, possibly, the HOTTEST time of the year. Your kids won't make it very long in that heat/humidity. AND, they are of the age where MOST kids just want to spend the whole day at the hotel pool. Be prepared for that, and don't be disappointed that they don't want to ride every ride, and be at the parks for rope drop, and see all the parades, and watch all the shows, etc. They can do all that stuff in time. Take advantage of their ages, and go with what will make THEM happy for now, which probably will end up meaning a more relaxing vacation for YOU and your DH, as it will likely include a LOT of time hanging poolside, sipping a Lapu-Lapu from a hollowed out pineapple.

Thanks!

The only reason we wake up at the crack of dawn, is because my kids wake up at the crack of dawn..no matter how late they stay up. I wish I could sleep in! I'm well prepared for not doing every ride. In fact, we actually do very few rides. Ds has sensory issues and adhd and there are specific things that are his favorites. They like toontown, winnie the pooh ride, buzz lightyear, splash mountain, pirates of the carribean, peter pan and it's a small world. Those are our only "musts" and we have several days to do it!

Like I said, we're DONE by noon-1pm. The pool is a must.

the commando style is totally not me either. I can't do it. BUT I did book the ADRs because well, one can only live on so much fast food and I need to know we'll be able to eat *somewhere* if we want a sit down.

We go every year and there is no way to do it all in one..even two..and I dare say three or four trips. Disney makes sure of that! We've yet to go to the water parks or Disney Quest.

I just felt like I had it more "together" last year. This year is WAY more laid back.

I did take them out tonight with my nanny and it was WAY much more relaxing. I swear kids respond better to women with accents. No seriously, we are having a great time. She is just visiting with us..honestly, I CAN handle 2 kids on my own. It was WAY less stressful going without nana.

Hopefully the hurricanes stay away! I can't wait to get there!

[JUJU814]

Originally Posted by bumbershoot

My cousin was just there with her family Thurs through Sun and had a great time. Of course, they go often, and they live in FL, so they're used to the weather.

If your husband needs some wheels, dont' rent a chair that someone has to push; get an ECV instead. Much easier.

Watch what they are eating! So often on vacation kids get junky food all chock full of stuff that isn't in home-cooked food. Do you think there was an aspect of that in your mini-trip? My guy can't have ingredients related to corn syrup, and most snacky foods have them (including Smuckers Uncrustables, which also have high fructose corn syrup), and they make him insane and violent. Woo, what fun! Learned most of what ingredients he cannot have while at Disneyland...

So think about the differences in what they ate there vs at home, see if there's anything to it, and if so, try to help them eat "real" food without all sorts of junk.

I'm afraid hubby will run everyone over with one of those ECV's! I wonder if he needs to get a doctors note to get one?

I have been thinking about the food. We are staying at my mom's now on the Cape and they have been eating fruit and homecooked food...except for last night we had fried seafood. Usually they are fine with that.

[SueM in MN]

Originally Posted by JUJU814

I'm afraid hubby will run everyone over with one of those ECV's! I wonder if he needs to get a doctors note to get one?

No, he doesn't.
If you want more information about ECVs or wheelchairs, follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #2 has information about wheelchairs and ECVs, including links and phone numbers to rent them.

[brergnat]

Originally Posted by JUJU814

Thanks!

The only reason we wake up at the crack of dawn, is because my kids wake up at the crack of dawn..no matter how late they stay up. I wish I could sleep in! I'm well prepared for not doing every ride. In fact, we actually do very few rides. Ds has sensory issues and adhd and there are specific things that are his favorites. They like toontown, winnie the pooh ride, buzz lightyear, splash mountain, pirates of the carribean, peter pan and it's a small world. Those are our only "musts" and we have several days to do it!

Like I said, we're DONE by noon-1pm. The pool is a must.

the commando style is totally not me either. I can't do it. BUT I did book the ADRs because well, one can only live on so much fast food and I need to know we'll be able to eat *somewhere* if we want a sit down.

I heard you on all of that! My older son (he's 5) has autism, so I am TOTALLY familiar with sensory issues. All we hear is "I want to go back to the hotel", whenever we go anywhere on vacation! The hotel is his "comfort zone" on trips. So, we always have to make sure we pick a good one that we don't mind spending a LOT of time at! Both my kids are up by 7 or 7:30 every morning as well. THEY don't sleep in. On my last vacation, it was a "girls only trip", no kids! Ha!!! So, hence, the sleeping in and lazy days, but my point was that, even with REALLY late starts, and BIG crowds, we managed to get a LOT done in those late hours. AND, we did sit down dinners almost every night too, as you are planning. AND, we didn't even stay in the parks that late. I got really sick with a stomach bug on the second day, so when I was finally feeling good enough to go back to the parks, I wasn't really having much energy, so by about 9pm each night, I was DONE. Still, got to do everything I wanted to! You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish in about 4 hours in the evening!

And, the thing is, I HATE eating junk food too. But, WDW has gotten really good at offering healthy counter service food. Be sure to check out Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary. They have some excellent salads, sandwiches (the Honey Lime Chicken Sandwich is to DIE for, served with a cold green bean side dish that is so good and fresh...mmmmm), anyway, lots of good, healthy FRESH choices there and just a quick trip on the monorail. We stayed at the CR and ate there numerous times. In contrast, I found Captain Cook's at the Poly to be...for lack of a better term...gross. Stay away. Everything is fried, greasy, and just...ick! Even the fresh fruit looked old. Anyway, my point is that you can find some really good, fresh, healthy counter service food if you look around. Don't just feel like you have to settle for burgers and fries and pizza all week.

I'm sure you'll make most of your ADR's. Keep 'Ohana for SURE, though!

Have a great trip!

[Wendybird55]

Keep your ADRS and play it day by day..with toddlers and young children you never know what each day brings.

My son will almost be 3 when we go and I have ADRS every night as well as character breakfasts almost every morning (we love breakfast as well and it's the one meal where my picky eater son likes and eats most of the food!)

The key, I think, is where are your ADRs. Kids sometimes get restless at restaurants because they are bored and not interested in eating. Last year when we went I found DS was much better at family style and character meals. The 2 restaurants where he was the most ansty were Le Cellier and Coral Reef (I thought he'd like looking at the fish). This year my ADRS are all family-style, character type meals (except Konma one night). Restaurants that are lively and a bit loud with other things to keep DS occupied and interested if he's not in the mood to eat or a bit hyper.

Also, this may sound rude, but it does work. Do you have a portable DVD Player? If so you may want to take it with you to meals. You can place it on the table with the voume very low or off and your kids can watch...It has been a life saver for us in a few instances..I think it's much less rude to have DS sitting quietly at the table watching his DVD with very low voume then have him acting up and yelling or crying because he's bored and wants to leave.

I always make sure I have some "table" toys for DS whenever we go to a restaurant - a portable Doodle Pro for him to write - some of his matchbox cars and whatever ever else is small and quiet to keep him occupied while at a restaurant. Also camcorders and digital cameras are helpful in that your kids can look at the pictures or videos you've taken on the trip so far and you can talk about all the fun things you've done. DS loves to watch himself on videos and I will take our camcorder with us to help occupy his time if he gets cranky waiting in line or at a restaurant - good thing I got an extra battery!

Have fun and don' worry...