A "Dry" Run

[crisi]

Feeling much better about our next trip in October.

Took our two kids (almost four and almost five) to the local amusement park, Valleyfair (a Six Flags type park). It was hot and crowded, but the kids did great. We didn't bring a stroller, and we didn't need to carry them too much. No potty accidents (my three year old only just trained). Very patient in line. And my tentative four year old had a smile on his face on all the rides and even wanted to do some of the wilder rides again (Goofy's Barnstormer, here we come!).

 

[susy]

Hi! October should be great! I would rent a double stroller (or bring one) for your little ones. Are you staying onsite? A mid- day break is a must! Our son is 5 and went to WDW 7 times last year. He did really well. We got to the parks early and did all the rides he wanted. Then back to the pool/room and then out again at night. We usually do the World showcase at Epcot at night. He seems to have a great time there and is very relaxed to do more slower-paced attractions. Has worked like a charm for 7 trips!

 

[crisi]

Yeah, we've been in October before. And we are DVC members staying at the BWV. We will rent a double stroller, the kids love them - and my daughter is not the fastest walker. I was concerned about a couple of thing that this gave me a chance to test out.

Napless days - the kids made it from 8am to 4pm yesterday. They crashed immediately in the car for the 40 minute drive home and were fine for the rest of the day. Which is telling me that my "Disney Transportation" nap will work as we move parks for the evening.

Potty breaks - my daughter is at that stage where she annouces "I have to go potty!!!!!" and runs to the bathroom - not a good situation for being in the middle of line. Didn't happen once and she was fine stopping every couple hours on Mom suggestion.

Waiting in line - preschoolers not being very patient - and they were fine - no need for bubbles or gameboys.

Getting to and from the parks strollerless - we did it last time, but the kids are a year older and weigh more. But they seem to walk more now, too.

My son's tentativeness - but if he handled what he did yesterday, I'm less worried about how he'll do on Pirates or Haunted Mansion(we won't be doing Tower of Terror or anything too scary).

Persistence on wanting to do something they are too little for (either by height restrictions or my judgement) Told they were too short for something, there were no tantrums.

It also told me my kids will drink a lot more water when its that hot than I imagined they could hold, so we will remember to pack a few sport bottles so they can keep their own water handy - We might get lucky and only hit high 70s in October,but if it hits 90, we'll need the water bottles.

I know all of these things are common concerns here - how far can my preschoolers get without a stroller, how long can they go without a nap? While every preschooler is different, it is probably not a bad idea to find a similar activity to a day at Disney locally (an amusement park, a zoo) and give it a try. It eased some of my concerns, and will be helpful in planning. Now I know I don't NEED to bring the umbrella strollers, should plan for the nap just pre dinner, and that my PS times should work fine.