3 year olds:How do you do the return trip?

[DisneyAllison]

We only live about 8 hours away from Disney. We are planning to drive down during the night to Disney, and arrive early morning in Orlando.

On the return trip, we are trying to decide whether to leave early 7:00-8:00, and get an early start; or go in to a park for a few hours and leave at lunch.

We have never made a drive this long with our DD. She will be 3 yrs & 10 months on our trip. She is very active, but is good sleeper.

Parents of young kids: Do you suggest waking her up, & putting her in the car, & hope she's worn out enough from the trip to chill out in the car? (We will have been there 6 nights, w/ 6 days in the parks.)
OR, do you suggest taking her in to a park for a few hours & wear her out a bit, & leave closer to lunchtime?


Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We are hoping for a smooth trip home

 

[disneymomof2boyz]

In my opinion, I would take her to the parks in the A.M., and then leave. I think she'll be more tired that way, and more likely to sleep or play quietly.(and you will also get a little Disney magic before you leave!! )
I have two boys ds2 and ds1, and I know how car trips can be. Good Luck!

 

[seetheworld]

In my opinion, I would take her to the parks in the A.M., and then leave. I think she'll be more tired that way, and more likely to sleep or play quietly.(and you will also get a little Disney magic before you leave!! )
I have two boys ds2 and ds1, and I know how car trips can be. Good Luck!

I agree! Go to the parks in the AM & she will probably sleep great for some time on the way home. Have a great trip!

 

[TriMom]

Go to the parks in the AM, but just because it's fun. My three yo was so tired from the week @ Disney, that we hardly noticed that he was in the car. We have an 11 hour drive, he did just fine!

 

[lillygator]

we only live an hour and a half away but we usually go to a park through luncthtime or to DTD with the girl before heading home. They are usually asleep before we leave the parking lot.