I'm Venting...Baby/Trip Related

[HLAuburn]

Can I just say that I am REALLY tired of people making comments about taking our baby to DW?! She'll be 11 months on our trip and I also have an older DD who is 5. This will be DD5's 3rd trip.

I got one comment from a girl who asked me what "possessed" me to go with a 1 year old . Another girl asked me if I was leaving the baby home - uh, no...it's a family vacation and last time I checked she was part of the family. Then today, I went to the fabric store (with just baby) to get something for the trip and the lady asked if I had older kids because she "wasn't sure how much enjoyment the baby would get" on the trip.

I'm also tired of the "I'm going to take my kids when they're old enough to enjoy it" or "remember it" line. I think every age enjoys it in a different way. My youngest will definitely enjoy seeing the everything, and she'll like the rides she can go on, and no, she's not going to remember it, but does that make the trip a waste for her? If it were a once in a lifetime trip, then yes, I might wait until she was older, but we go about every other year, so that's not really the case.

Anyway, if you made it here, thanks for listening! I've just heard it from so many people lately, and it's starting to get on my nerves! I'm paying for the trip - not you - and I will take care of the baby while I'm there - so don't worry about it, people!

[kaleighmariesmom]

I know how you feel. We have to listen to it all the time too. I got so tired I decided not to tell anyone until the last min that we are going again in Dec!

[Missytara]

My favorite bartender just got back from the World a few weeks ago with her DH, DS - 1-1/2, and her in-laws.

A few people commented that she was insane to take a small infant and pay so much money, when he wouldn't even remember the trip. Her response:

"I am sorry you feel that way, but this trip is not so much about my son remembering everything about Disney World. This is a trip paid for my in-laws whose son, who happens to be my husband, is leaving for boot camp in two weeks and then is going to be deployed to serve his country in Afghanistan. This is a gift from my in-laws for my son to remember his dad at a joyous place, in case he doesn't come home."

And you know, not one person had a comeback for that.

Keep your chin up and enjoy your trip!

[cam&phoebsmom]

We took my DD for the 1st time when she was a few months shy of 2. She loved it and had ZERO meltdowns! We paced ourselves, and had a blast. We took full advanatge of the baby swap since our son was 7. To be honest-SHE loves Disney even more than out son! LOL

When folks commented I let them know she was totally free so even if she did not remember that was okay with me because I would.

[robynchic]

I'm not sure about the baby (btw, I love seeing babies in the parks, especially if they can walk- it's so cute to see them walk up to characters!), but AFA other people's comments about waiting until the kids can remember it...

The earliest memory I have of WDW is from when I was about 3 years old, so 22 years ago. I remember having a mini-tantrum (it was a cranky because I'm tired, it's nap time, and I wanted to ride Dumbo! tantrum), and falling asleep while my dad carried me around. When I woke up a little, I saw that we were in a ride, and saw people dancing around below me. I dozed back off for a few minutes, and when I woke up, there was something sitting on me, my dad and my brother, except it wasn't. I could see it in the mirror, but not sitting with us. I started screaming bloody murder and crying until we were off the ride.

Ever since then, The Haunted Mansion has always been one of my favorite rides...

[DznyLvr2005]

Originally Posted by HLAuburn

Can I just say that I am REALLY tired of people making comments about taking our baby to DW?! She'll be 11 months on our trip and I also have an older DD who is 5. This will be DD5's 3rd trip.

I got one comment from a girl who asked me what "possessed" me to go with a 1 year old . Another girl asked me if I was leaving the baby home - uh, no...it's a family vacation and last time I checked she was part of the family. Then today, I went to the fabric store (with just baby) to get something for the trip and the lady asked if I had older kids because she "wasn't sure how much enjoyment the baby would get" on the trip.

I'm also tired of the "I'm going to take my kids when they're old enough to enjoy it" or "remember it" line. I think every age enjoys it in a different way. My youngest will definitely enjoy seeing the everything, and she'll like the rides she can go on, and no, she's not going to remember it, but does that make the trip a waste for her? If it were a once in a lifetime trip, then yes, I might wait until she was older, but we go about every other year, so that's not really the case.

Anyway, if you made it here, thanks for listening! I've just heard it from so many people lately, and it's starting to get on my nerves! I'm paying for the trip - not you - and I will take care of the baby while I'm there - so don't worry about it, people!

I totally get it!!! Everyone said the same thing to us too... Our baby was 15 months, but same thing... And let me tell you... SHE HAD THE TIME OF HER LIFE!!!!!!!! The pictures I got of her were priceless!!!

[lala3291]

I know what you mean Just don't even listen to those people...Disney is magical for people of all ages...I'm sure that your family will have a blast!
Have a magical trip

[rndmr2]

I hear people say this all the time and they should just mind their own business. I have been there quite a few times and one of the most fun trips I ever had was the year my neice (sister's DD) was 10 months old. She was so cute and fun to have there, smiled and laughed at characters, rides, etc. She slept in the stroller, we had a fan clipped in the hood of it to keep her cool. It all worked out great.
Also my BIL/SIL took their son there when he was less than a year old and he is 2 1/2 now and still remembers parts of it from things he says.

ETA: It also doesn't cost any extra to take a baby there until they turn 3! LOL

[LISAVWL]

I'm sorry you've been dealing with so many people who just don't get it! We've been taking our kids annually (sometimes more!) since they were about 6 months old and never thought twice about it. No, they do not remember those trips -- but I do and they are precious memories to me!

I have cherished memories of my kids -- DD13 months old running to Cinderella, DS sitting with Stitch when he was only 5 months old, DS jumping up & down when we finally found Captain Hook when he was just a year and DS flirting with Snow White at just 6 months old. They do not remember those moments but I do & always will!

I try to keep in mind "just smile and nod" when I am dealing with "those" people -- people who do not believe in the magic of Disney World. You came to the right place to find others who feel the same as you! Have a magical time -- your memories will be priceless!

[BenA81]

I wish some people would just mind their own business! I can understand some people who just ask "are you taking the baby?" and leaving it at that, but I guess it also depends on their tone. Its not out of the question to leave the baby at home with grandparents, etc. and take the older sibling.

IMO, they may not have the memories, but I will! And thats what pictures are for!

Here's my son at our off site vaca home relaxing pool side right before going to the parks. Now you tell me he ain't havin' a good time!


Have a magical time!

[Princess Disney Mom]

Just laugh it off. There is something about a WDW trip that make is okay for people to comment. Would you ever say to someone going on their annual beach trip, "You are taking a baby? The baby can't swim. The baby won't remember it." Of course you wouldn't say this. Something about WDW that people feel free to comment, but I don't know what.

My neice loved Disney at 11 months. Anyway that is besides the point.
A family vacation is just that and people really should mind their own business.

[PSUGuy]

If a WDW trip every year or two isn't in the budget, I certainly agree with the strategy of waiting until the kids are physically big enough to ride more attractions and more likely to remember the experience. That's how we worked it and I don't expect our adult kids and grandkids to join us again until our now 2 month old grandson is at least a toddler. What baffles me is how comfortable perfect strangers are in volunteering their opinions as to how you should raise your children.

Bill From PA

[mybabesuz]

I wish my kids were 1 again...
We started going when DS was 5 months old. ( brought home another little souviner )
Next trip DS was 2 1/2 and DD was 1 1/2... It was our best trip ever!!!
The kids took naps ever afternoon in their strollers and fell asleep in their strollers at night...

No cranky 3, 4, or 5 yo. tamtrums.
Not to mention their trips were FREE until they turned 3!

So now I'm bracing myself for our next trip with an almost 4 and 5 yo.

[ajpa]

Even when kids don't remember stuff (my dd was barely 3 the first time we went and she doesn't remember it at all), I bet they DO in some way remember feeling happy. A happy family means a happy baby, and a happy baby grows to be a happy kid. So do what works for you!

[DznyLvr2005]

I wanted to share some pictures with you so you can see how much fun my little munchkin had! There's alot of pics I posted, enjoy!!!