Stressed, Lots of Questions, Excited ... Need Help

[mbcagle]

Hi!

Friday we found out that we have a wonderful opportunity to go to WDW with my mother and my cousin (mentally handicapped & visiting from South Africa). My mother wants us to join her and my cousin at WDW. My dad is retired military so we will be getting four of our tickets for $100. If my SIL ends up joining us, we will get all 8 of our tickets for $100. We will be staying at the Shades of Green resort. We will only have to pay for one room as three of the kids will be staying with my mother and cousin in their room. We are a family of 9 (14 years old down to 7 weeks) and never dreamed we could afford this type of a vacation .... one of the sacrifices of having a larger family. Here are the problems:

1. I have an infant ... He will be 11 weeks when we go ... Do I just stay at the resort with him and let my mother, cousin and DH take the kids to the parks? We never take the baby out when they are so young! I would love to go but do not want to risk it if WDW is really crazy!

2. From what I understand, you cannot get the meal plans if you stay in the Shades of Green resort. Any suggestions? Can we take bread, peanut butter and water bottles into the parks? We are used to eating cheap when we travel as restaurants are expensive when you have six sons and a daughter.

3. I assume my DH will have to split up and take the older children with him. My mother and/or myself can take the younger ones. Is there a height cutoff that I could use to decide who goes with DH? My 10 year old daughter is short! I do not want to send her if she cannot ride the bigger rides with the older boys.

4. With such late notice, I am so overwhelmed at where to start to plan for a trip like this. Are there books that I should buy?

5. I would love any help! Please make any suggestions. The kids do not know yet. They would drive me nuts if they knew!!!

Thanks!
Michele

[geauxpink63]

You can bring food into the parks. Make the sandwiches before hand and place them in a ziploc baggie so whenever somebody is hungry you don't have to stop and make the sandwich. Also I saw where somebody said to buy a double cheeseburger and order an extra bun, to make 2 hamburgers.

11 weeks is young, but you are never to young to enjoy Disney. As long as whomever touches the baby washes their hands (A LOT)you should be fine. If you need to change your shirts more often while handling the baby so be it, but you want to see the look on your kids faces when they see the Castle for the first time, or when one of the characters pulls them out of the crowd to participate in the parade!!!!

Ride restrictions can be found on Disney's website and on this forum.

[Claire&TheBoys]

Welcome to the DIS!

You don't say when you're going, but I'm guessing it's pretty soon. I think it's a great opportunity!

You definitely want to go see the parks! Don't stay in the room with the baby! They are all decorated for Christmas and you will love it - it's not to be missed. And there's really a lot you can take your baby on. Most rides at WDW do not have height restrictions and you can go and hold your infant. I hear a lot of parents on these boards say they used baby wraps or Bjorn-type carriers with their infants in the parks, so if you have one, definitely take it along.

You'll want your own infant stroller, too. From Shades of Green, it's easy to walk to the Polynesian Resort and get on the monorail to go to Magic Kingdom. You can walk a little further to the Transportation & Ticket Center and get on a monorail to Epcot and never have to fold your stroller. (You will have to fold your stroller(s) on any bus.) The parks are quite large, so if you have other children under about age 5, you will want to bring a stroller for them also. Little legs get very tired!

Here is a list of the height requirements. Your 10-year-old should make them all.

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/me...ey%20World.pdf

Since this is your first trip, you might like the Birnbaum Official Guide to WDW or the Passporter Guide to WDW. There's one called WDW With Kids that you might like as well.

For your cousin with disabilities, you might be aware that if he/she needs any special accommodations, there's a "Guest Assistance Card" available at Guest Services in any park. If you go to the DISabilities board here on the DIS, you can find all sorts of helpful information.

Have a wonderful trip! If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to post!

[henry72]

Originally Posted by mbcagle

Hi!

Friday we found out that we have a wonderful opportunity to go to WDW with my mother and my cousin (mentally handicapped & visiting from South Africa). My mother wants us to join her and my cousin at WDW. My dad is retired military so we will be getting four of our tickets for $100. If my SIL ends up joining us, we will get all 8 of our tickets for $100. We will be staying at the Shades of Green resort. We will only have to pay for one room as three of the kids will be staying with my mother and cousin in their room. We are a family of 9 (14 years old down to 7 weeks) and never dreamed we could afford this type of a vacation .... one of the sacrifices of having a larger family. Here are the problems:

1. I have an infant ... He will be 11 weeks when we go ... Do I just stay at the resort with him and let my mother, cousin and DH take the kids to the parks? We never take the baby out when they are so young! I would love to go but do not want to risk it if WDW is really crazy!

2. From what I understand, you cannot get the meal plans if you stay in the Shades of Green resort. Any suggestions? Can we take bread, peanut butter and water bottles into the parks? We are used to eating cheap when we travel as restaurants are expensive when you have six sons and a daughter.

3. I assume my DH will have to split up and take the older children with him. My mother and/or myself can take the younger ones. Is there a height cutoff that I could use to decide who goes with DH? My 10 year old daughter is short! I do not want to send her if she cannot ride the bigger rides with the older boys.

4. With such late notice, I am so overwhelmed at where to start to plan for a trip like this. Are there books that I should buy?

5. I would love any help! Please make any suggestions. The kids do not know yet. They would drive me nuts if they knew!!!

Thanks!
Michele

1.) There is no way I would stay in the room with the infant. Put the baby in the stroller or use a sling and get out there. You will have a great time and the baby can ride on many of the rides. Like other poster said, just wash your hands and don't let others touch the baby.

2.) I don't know if you are driving or will have a rental car but if so you can pick up some food and then eat in the room or make some things to take in the park. If you are flying, you can also order food from Garden Grocer and have it delivered to your room or you can ship a box with snacks before you go.

3.) Everyone can ride on most rides. There are a few that you need to be 40" and above and a few that are 48" (and maybe one that is at 44"). You can check at allears.net for the height restrictions.

4.) There are many books that can help you plan. If you want to save money you can pick one up from the used bookstore. Even if it is not for this year, the basic information and strategies don't change all that much between editions.

5.) Enjoy your trip! You will find a lot of good info on this board but it can certainly overwhelm you. You are going at a wonderful time. Check out all the holiday decorations.

[happymommy]

Also, even though my children had outgrown strollers for many years, at Disney it was essential for mine until about age 9 (please don't laugh). So, you may want some strollers that you thought you wouldn't use again.

I agree, if the baby is in a sling, it would be nice for you to explore. WDW is so beautiful. Shades of Green is a great place.

I used to bring a small soft side cooler with snacks and drinks for my kids, and yes you may! My son has food allergies, so that was an assurance for me. The bun thing is hard, as now if you order an extra bun they charge a lot some places, so beware. Maybe even bring some bread separate? And a jar of PB and one of jelly, then make sandwiches as you wish. Also maybe some cheese? I am all for that.

You can get cups of water at many counter service places, and I don't like my kids drinking soda too much anyway.

[marshmellow86]

Yes, you can take snacks and drinks into the parks - just no alcohol. Bottled water, soda, sandwiches are all fine.

I agree with previous posters, don't stay in the room - take the baby. I have found that people don't tend to walk up and want to touch young babies as much at Disney as they may in other places, so that helps with germs. Keep some wipes and hand sanitizor in your bag, just in case. Additonally, all of the Disney parks have wonderful baby care stations. If you go and find the baby needs some quiet or rest, you can go into one. They have nice large changing stations and rocking chairs. they have rooms with the lights lowered to help calm the baby. They also sell baby items (formula, diapers and such) just in case you run out. I am sure they are more expensive, but at least they are available.

[bankgirl05]

Originally Posted by marshmellow86

Yes, you can take snacks and drinks into the parks - just no alcohol. Bottled water, soda, sandwiches are all fine.

I agree with previous posters, don't stay in the room - take the baby. I have found that people don't tend to walk up and want to touch young babies as much at Disney as they may in other places, so that helps with germs. Keep some wipes and hand sanitizor in your bag, just in case. Additonally, all of the Disney parks have wonderful baby care stations. If you go and find the baby needs some quiet or rest, you can go into one. They have nice large changing stations and rocking chairs. they have rooms with the lights lowered to help calm the baby. They also sell baby items (formula, diapers and such) just in case you run out. I am sure they are more expensive, but at least they are available.

I used the baby care station next to the Crystal Palace 3 times while we were there, they were wonderful, it was clean quiet and comfortable...

I do suggest that if you can afford it, shedule at least one character meal, Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh and gang was great, and the food was very good.

Also, if you have time, have the kids make autograph books before you go, for my 3 year old I just bought a jornal type notebook at an inexpensive retail store (Family Dollar or 5 Below) and decorated it with Disney stickers and a couple of Mickey Head paint samples from Home depot.

Have fun, and don't stay in the room with the infant, out of all of the kids the baby will be the easiest to deal with... and there is so much you don't want to miss

[mbcagle]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. It is somewhat overwhelming as I know nothing about WDW. I do not even understand half of the abbreviations on this board!!!! Being sleep-deprived does not help!

I think I will plan some easy to take lunches and snacks as well as water bottles. Now if I can just come up with "plans" for the older kids and the younger kids. I do not just want to walk around and miss really neat things!

Thanks again!

[sritter78]

I took DS at 6 weeks. I carried him in the sling most of the time. I did use a small fan in the stroller to help keep him cool.

[kwitcherkicken99]

For you guys! What a great upcoming trip!

1. I have an infant ... He will be 11 weeks when we go ... Do I just stay at the resort with him and let my mother, cousin and DH take the kids to the parks? Baby will be fine! Take your personal stroller and a wrap/sling. Plan to take breaks during the day. You should be able to borrow a pack n play for baby to sleep in. Take formula, wipes, and diapers in bulk and refill your diaper bag on breaks. Don't miss out on the shared opportunity of the trip. WDW is exceptionally family friendly and you should have no trouble caring for baby while you are there. The baby care centers are great places to hang out with baby. Also, consider using some of the A- and B-ticket attractions for naptime. Pop on the train, ride the riverboat, duck in Hall of Presidents, Carosel, etc. DD loved being on the boat rides - she passed right out! LOL!

2. Any suggestions? Can we take bread, peanut butter and water bottles into the parks? As long as you aren't packing a 5 course meal, I don't think they'll mind. We packed water, snacks, etc. in our day pack and was just fine. If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, pick up one of their insulated coolers. It would probably be a the perfect size for your family.

3. Is there a height cutoff that I could use to decide who goes with DH?
Check here: http://allears.net/tp/rr.htm

4. With such late notice, I am so overwhelmed at where to start to plan for a trip like this. Are there books that I should buy?
You're going to hear 2 books: Passporter and Unofficial Guide. I personally used Passporter for our last trip and found it to be very easy to use with my crazy schedule. Everything was thorough and digestable. I used mini post-it notes to mark important pages and highlighted the crap out of that book. I've asked for UG for Christmas this year as I like to read multiple opinions.

5. I would love any help! Please make any suggestions.
Remember to relax. Don't plan to do it all. Prioritize what's important for your family. It's a lot to do planning trips like this, but don't let yourself go nuts.

Check mousesavers.com too for cost-cutting tips. As I read through my guide book I kept a notebook of questions that I either searched for on here or posted a new thread seeking the information. I also kept all of my information in a folder. I'd print out pages, take notes on things. About 3 months beforehand, I sat down and condensed everything, throwing out what I didn't need. I tucked what was left into my guide book and we were off.

You can ship items to your resort ahead of time (if you want to have food/baby supplies sent on ahead vs. packing them in your suitcase). I believe allears.net has the addresses to the resorts and the information on how to do that.

Be vigilant with baby, but don't be uptight. Pack smart and you'll be fine. We took as many disposables as we could so we didn't have to worry about washing dirty baby stuff. Cups, bottles (we used the Playtex drop-in system), changing pads, bibs - all were disposable. We did pack a bottle drying rack, bottle brush, and dish soap to keep in our hotel room. We packed 4 nipples: kept 2 in our park bag, 2 in the room and swapped at breaks.

For my oldest, I waited until I had coupons or sales for the 100 calorie packs. They were the perfect size to stash in the day pack.

Hit up the local dollar store for Disney related toys and such to use for the younger kids in the queues.

Take a camera and LOTS of extra memory cards - WDW is full of places for great family shots

Take a breath and keep an eye out on this board for almost all of your trip needs.

HTH!

[Rylee]

Originally Posted by mbcagle

Thanks for all of the suggestions. It is somewhat overwhelming as I know nothing about WDW. I do not even understand half of the abbreviations on this board!!!! Being sleep-deprived does not help!

I think I will plan some easy to take lunches and snacks as well as water bottles. Now if I can just come up with "plans" for the older kids and the younger kids. I do not just want to walk around and miss really neat things!

Thanks again!

Hi,

I don't see where you mention when you are going or how long you'll be there. ???

Do you plan to visit all four parks?

We have 5 children, 20 years apart from oldest to youngest. We really didn't/don't split up all that often. Here's what we do and some ideas that might work for your family...

We all start our day together. We usually work an "area" of a park.
Examples -

At Magic Kingdom, (MK) While my husband (DH) takes the older kids on Space Mountain, I take the smaller kids on the Buzz Lightyear ride. (Both in the same area.)

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, (DHS) He'll take the bigger kids on Tower of Terror & Rockn' Rollercoaster while I take the smaller kids to see the Beauty and the Beast show. (Again, same area.)

After lunch, I might take the younger ones back to the hotel (using Disney transportation) for a nap and or swim, while he stays in the park with the older kids to ride the bigger rides. We meet back up for dinner and watch the evening show... Wishes, Fantasmic, etc., together.

Also, one park usually stays open much later for Disney hotel guest, and I will take the younger kids back to the hotel while DH stays later with the older ones.

There are far more attractions that you can do/see as a family, than there are with height requirements.

Take the baby and go!

Other tips...

Learn how to use Fast Passes... and use them!

Ship, bring or order and have delivered... water and breakfast foods... Pop-tarts, granola and breakfast bars, friut snacks, gold fish crackers, etc. It's cheaper than dining out for breakfast and takes less time in the morning so you can get to the parks earlier. My kids eat while others are getting ready. (Can see and do more in the morning before it gets too crowded.)

If you want to dine at any of the Table Service resturants... CALL NOW or check online for a reservation. Walk-ins are hard to get, especially for a party your size. A character buffet is fun, breakfast or lunch would be cheaper than dinner.

Try sharing some meals... order sandwiches for everyone but split the fries. We done this and find we are still throwing away food.

If you have time before your trip, order the Disney planning DVD. Let the kids watch after you're sure this trip is going to happen. Pick out a few must-see-and-do attractions for your family and try to hit these first thing in the morning.

Any other questions, just ask. Have a great trip!

[mbcagle]

Thanks.

We are leaving on the 13th of December. We have a five day pass (no park hopper) that we will be using M-F. The ages of the kids are 14,13,10,8,6,4,11 weeks.

What type of clothing should we wear?

Are there any restaurants that serve larger portions than the others. We may not do any sit down meals as there will be 11 people in our party.

Should we plan on staying for fireworks? Can you see them from Shades of Green? What time are they shot?

I assume there are no re-fillable cups for drinks in the park. Is this correct?

What are the must see rides/shows for around 6 year olds?

What are the must see rides/shows for around 13 year olds?

I really appreciate the help. I have ordered the Disney DVD. I have not told the kids yet! I am not sure when I will share the news! I may go nuts if they find out too soon! LOL!

I am glad to hear that there are rides/shows that do not require us to go to different areas of the parks!!!

Thanks again!

[RoadTripFanatic]

I agree with the other posters you need to get out and see the parks. Definately take your own stroller!!! An infant will not do well at all in the park strollers. They are designed for toddlers. There is NO support at all. NONE. Plus there is no where to put a diaper bag and all of the supplies you might need.

As for what to wear on the trip you will need to worship the weatherchannel.com before you go. Weather in FL in December can be hot to freezing cold. It just depends on the week. I wouldn't pack any clothes until 2 days before the trip and you know what the weather is going to do.

[kwitcherkicken99]

We are leaving on the 13th of December. We have a five day pass (no park hopper) that we will be using M-F. The ages of the kids are 14,13,10,8,6,4,11 weeks.

What type of clothing should we wear? Layers! Consult guide books for the average temperature and plan around that. Medium jackets, long sleeved shirts under short sleeve, etc.

Should we plan on staying for fireworks? Can you see them from Shades of Green? What time are they shot? Wishes is generally around 9. Check the park calendar. I don't think you should do them every night you are there, but I would reserve 1 night for it.

I assume there are no re-fillable cups for drinks in the park. Is this correct? Spot on.

What are the must see rides/shows for around 6 year olds? RIDES: all of Fantasyland (minus Snow White), Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, Adventureland, Frontierland, basically everything in the park. SHOWS: Nemo, Lion King

What are the must see rides/shows for around 13 year olds? How Disneyfied are they? Shows may be a non-issue. Most all of the thrill rides at each park. Splash, Space Mountain, Everest, Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, etc.

[Drusilla]

Originally Posted by mbcagle

Are there any restaurants that serve larger portions than the others. We may not do any sit down meals as there will be 11 people in our party.

If you do end up doing table service (sit down) meals, I would try to do buffets - portions can be as large as those growing kids will eat!