2 of us, 3 of them!!

[itsagirlthing]

Hello! I am new to the boards and I have found a lot of useful tips from everyone! Thanks! Our family traveled to WDW 2 years ago. At the time it was my husband and I and our 2 DDs ages almost 3 and 5. Along with us were my parents and my Grandma. Lot's of help with the kids. Now DH and I are planning a trip for Feb 07 with no helpers, AND we have another DD! So the ages will be DD8, DD51/2, DD2. What I'm concerned with is how we are going to keep track of the three girls when there is only 2 of us! When we went to WDW 2 years ago we rented a double stroller and both girls rode in it most of the time and it worked out really well. When we were in large crowds we felt safe because they were right in front of us in the stroller. No concerns for them wandering or getting lost in the crowd. I liked that security. This next time I am wondering how we should arrange everyone. Two year old will be in stroller, but what about 5 yo and 8yo?? I'm sure they will get tired of walking...Do I bring a stroller from home for DD2 and rent double for the big girls? What happens when 2 yo gets tired of riding and wants to walk, or be carried...who will push empty stroller? Has anyone delt with a similar situation?? Any advice or tips?? Thanks so much!! I tend to worry about details esp when it comes to the safety of my kids!!

 

[mrsgus06]

At one time I had one 9,8, 7, 6 and 2. I would take them into the parks by myself. The 2 yo was in a double stroller (along with the cooler) and the older ones "orbit around me" . I never realized they did this until my 19 yo brought a friend and he made a comment about the orbiting. I think your kids are fine with just the two of you. The 8 yo will walk or push the empty stroller. My 5 yo walked. Heck, the youngest is now 4 and she walks also! When she was 2, and wanted to walk, I just put her on the leash so she could have her freedom and I could have my peace of mind knowing she could not get far. Just be prepared to rent a double stroller if needed. I have had 4 of mine crammed into one, just to see if they could do it! I would not bring the extra stroller, just one more thing you have to carry and keep up with. Rent one double stroller and you should be fine! Have a great trip!

 

[homemaker]

My DH and I always worry about the safety of our 4DS (ages 9, 8, 4, & 1). I think I stress myself about the what ifs more then I have to. I guess it's a parent thing. We went to WDW 2 yrs ago at Easter and wow was it crowded. During that trip we only had 3DS (7, 6, & 2) close to your girls ages. We rented a double stroller and two boys almost always rode in it. Long days and late nights make for tired children so it was a given that someone would want to ride with the 2yo. One of us pushed the stroller and the other kept an eye on the child that walked. I wish I could ride Maybe I should have my boys push me this year. We are going in August with all four of them and I'm still not sure what we are doing about strollers. Our little one is too little for the rentals so we might bring one and rent one. Whatever you decide, have a great trip and be safe.

 

[itsagirlthing]

Wow! You are BRAVE!! I know, you do what you gotta do! I usually don't have a problem taking my 3 by myself to Walmart or whatever, it's just that WDW is so BIG and there are SO MANY PEOPLE! I guess that's why I'm kinda freaking out! You are right though, I could have the 8 yo push the stroller...You mentioned a lease for the 2yo, I think that is a great idea...where do you find one? Too bad I can't put them on the other two also, lol! (Like they would go for that!!) Thanks for the pep talk! I want to be relaxed and not worried on this trip!

 

[itsagirlthing]

You're right homemaker...they get so worn out by the end of the day. That's why I do like the idea of having the rented double and my own stroller from home for the 2yo. The part that was difficult for us when we went 2 years ago was that we had to turn in the rented double at the entrance to the park but then we still had to walk quite a ways to catch the bus or whatever transportation method we were using to get back to our resort. When we visited Epcot we walked all the way back to the Beach Club. It was exhausting carrying all of our stuff and I usually had to carry my then 2 1/2 yo because she was sleeping or almost asleep. I swore that the next time we went I would bring our own stroller for this reason. I never thought about any of that until we experienced it!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We've been going at least once a year since the kids were 2, 4 and 5. They are now 5, 7 and 8. I still bring an umbrella stroller for ds (5) and rent a double stroller for the girls. It's easier to keep track of the, we don't move at a snail's pace and I have a place to store our things. When we park our strollers we just fold up the umbrella stroller and put it on top of our rented stroller so we can find our things. You could probably do this too if the baby wanted to be carried.

 

[mrsgus06]

I bought two leashes from Target. One for my car and one for my camper! You may get a lot of dirty looks, but who cares. I just remind myself that my child is safe and I will probably never see these people again! Her leash was her harness leash and the strap was not too long. Be careful with the wrist ones with the longer straps. People tend to walk between you and your child when it is attached. The one from Target was red so it was easy to see by other people.

 

[mjmcca]

The scariest feeling is loosing your child. I lost my DD at AK this summer. She was only 3&1/2 She wasn't gone long but I couldn't even remember what I put on her that day. My DS who wasn't even 5 had to tell me she was wearing the sparkly shirt!

 

[Schmeck]

Why not just rent a double, the 3 girls can take turns riding - a 7 and 8 yr old won't need to ride all day - you want them a bit tired out so they'll sleep well at night!

 

[InstImpres]

She wasn't gone long but I couldn't even remember what I put on her that day. My DS who wasn't even 5 had to tell me she was wearing the sparkly shirt!

Sorry to go OT but this is one of my fears, that I won't remember in case of emergency. We start each day with a "picture of us getting going". (aka on the way out of the hotel door). This way in case of emergency, I scroll through the digitial camera and could show security.

 

[mjmcca]

Sorry to go OT but this is one of my fears, that I won't remember in case of emergency. We start each day with a "picture of us getting going". (aka on the way out of the hotel door). This way in case of emergency, I scroll through the digital camera and could show security.

I don't know if i would have remembered to do that! I did have a picture of her in the camera though!

 

[homemaker]

Hello itsagirlthing. If you haven't already thought about it someone suggested to me the sit n stand or the joovy caboose. I have looked at these online and one of these might be good for your girls.