A little advice from other parents with young kids? Please

[NicholeB630]

We have a trip booked for Dec 7th - 14th. My kids will be daughter turning 6 Jan 7th and son 2 and 7 months. We do a lot. We go places a lot, dinner, shopping, we just got back from the FL Keys and spent a week in San Diego this past December when son was 1 and 7 months. Right now he is at an age where of course he doesn't really listen, he goes opposite directions you want him to, he gets cranky (as does the 5 year old) throws fits (but not horrible) Anyways I am starting to second guess our trip. I really want to go. I love Disney we went back when son was 9 months and daughter 4. We only had 4 days so it was rushed we didn't do a lot and it was more crowded than we expected. We had a good time but not a great time. This time were going a whole week, I will have it really planned, I know do book dinning way in advance which is actually tomorrow and we just will have better all around knowledge of the parks. I am second guessing it because I am afraid that it just wont be as enjoyable as I think it will be. I am afraid my son will just be totally exhausting all day and everyone will be getting grumpy. I know he wont remember it and that he wont really even understand what Disney is and where we are. I think he'll def know some characters and he loves the rides we've ridden before ect. This wont be the only time we can go. I planned on this trip and then not going again until son is around 5/6 and daughter around 8/9 so we can afford to take more Disney trips. I am wondering if I should just wait another year when son will be 3 and hopefully a bit more understanding and more verbal and listening a little more (hopefully). I have planned this so much and have done so much research I just dont know. Other parents with kids of small ages what would you do? Would you still go knowing you can go again when both kids are older or wait another year and just suck up the sadness of canceling this trip? My little guy is pretty easy going and easily entertained by things but he is still a typical 2 year old and I am not sure how much he will change in the next 7 months.

 

[MandiC]

I think you need to go into this trip knowing what your kids will tolerate. I think planning character meals is still fine, just know that like in any other restaurant it may be necessary to take baby out if it is overwhelming him. I probably wouldn't plan on any 'boring' sit down meals but I certainly would give your older daughter the character meal experience (that is right in the short period of time that they understand the movies and truly believe in the magic). Just plan for a mid-day break. If the time comes closer and you think he could nap in the stroller, great! But I wouldn't plan anything you have to reserve this far in advance for the middle of the day. I think it is also wise to not have your hopes too high for fireworks. They might or might not be feasable. I don't think it's reason to cancel the trip altogether but I wouldn't plan on going full speed ahead, just think of it as a more relaxed trip. The thing about toddlers is they are unpredictable and can be testy (as I am sure you know ) don't set yourself up for disappointment by expecting to do too much but it could be a very fun trip!

Oops, forgot to answer the wwyd. Personally, we would wait a year. Actually, we specifically planned our next trip for next fall because we don't wish to go with a child under the age of 4. I think a trip with a child under that could be very fun, but we will probably only go to Disney one or two more times with all the kids so timing is important. I want our youngest to be at least 40" (he should be by then, he only has 2" to go in the next year and a half) and I'd really like if we are done with naps by then. In your situation, I think either could be great since you plan on going again in a few years but if you already have it planned I'd go with it and try not to worry too much.

 

[Maggie at the Fort]

I would go and know that there are going to be limitations on what you can do. We went with my daughter at 1.5 years and again at 3.5 years and on that trip my son was almost 1. They do get tired. They can't do everything. We did have to split up a few times to deal with some grumpiness.
One evening after a long rest at our camper,we went back to the magic kingdom, met Mickey, came out and saw the Main St. Electrical Parade and my daughter sweetly said, "I'm tired. Can we go back?" We never made it 100 feet from the tunnels under the train station. Sometimes you just have to shrug and realize you can't do it all.
One thing to remember, is that this vacation he is free. If you wait until he is 3, then you have to buy tickets and pay for him for Character meals etc.
We actually found 3 to be much more challenging behaviorally than 2.
We are planning on going back in Jan with a 4 almost 5 year old and 2 year old. We will see how it goes!

Good luck!

 

[kellyjeanie]

We went when my son was 2 and 4 months, my daughter was 5 and a few months, and my son was just short of 9. It was a blast. We knew going in that something would have to give, and for us it was late nights - we were at the parks close to open every day but rarely out past 7-8. My 2-year-old crashed in the stroller every day after lunch so that helped a lot. He loved the rides in MK and for the other parks where there wasn't as many rides for him, he surprisingly enjoyed hanging out in the stroller and taking it all in. He loved meeting characters. Rider swap helped a lot. I did avoid midday reservations because I wasn't sure what to expect, though there were a couple days where we did a later lunch and those were fine - for example we had a later reservation at Biergarten one day, and once we got back outside in the stroller he conked out, which made for a nice stroll around World Showcase. I really wasn't sure what to expect with him because he's a runner, but he had a great time. Nine months later he's still talking about the "Goofy ride" (Barnstormer). Plus he was free! I'm so glad we didn't wait. I hope to go again when he's about 5 and can ride most of the rides.

 

[KB'sMom]

I'd absolutely go! Our last trip my DD was newly 6 and DS was 2 years 9 months. It was an awesome trip. We kept the pace slow and stopped frequently for snacks and rests and lots of playtime - basically just followed their lead and we all had a great time.

 

[NicholeB630]

Thank you all so much!! Your input helps for sure! I def plan on morning dinning reservations and dinners not to late and mid day breaks! I just want to be able to do a lot and meet characters daughters favorite thing to do!! But with doing 4 character meals that will help get those done!! My kids are early risers and both MK days I'm shooting for a 8am ADR at crystal palace and 8am BBB then other days were doing parks without early am magic hours so being at parks at 9 is nothing!! My only concern is the MVMCP I really want to do and I want them to see parade but I don't want to wait for hours for the 7:30 parade to start so we get a good spot. But I don't know if they will last till 10 one? That is so late after a day in the park.

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

We have a 2 and 4 year old (just turned) and will be heading back in October. We have done 3 trips now with the oldest (2 with the youngest).

I can not stress enough how important it is to go back to your hotel and rest in the afternoon. Even if your little one won't sleep, the downtime in a quiet, dark room helps settle. Plus, it allows your daughter time to play in the pool and gives you all a much needed break.

We use the play areas a lot. My boys love The Laughing Place and the Dumbo queue. For some reason, this simple play helps reset them. And my DH and I use that time to ride swap on Splash Mountain.

We went to MVMCP last Nov. We did not go to the parks until 4pm and spent the day being lazy and napping. We made it until closing, though the then 3.5 yo turned into a cranky mess at around 11:30.

The parade is awesome. We decided to hang out at the Woody and Jesse dance party in the Diamond Horseshoe about an hour prior to parade start. One adult stood outside with the double stroller and held our spot while the other was inside with the kiddos dancing and having a great time. We ended up with great seats and happy kids.

 

[Crl1817]

My kids have been better behaved at two than at three. . . . .

 

[NicholeB630]

We have a 2 and 4 year old (just turned) and will be heading back in October. We have done 3 trips now with the oldest (2 with the youngest).

I can not stress enough how important it is to go back to your hotel and rest in the afternoon. Even if your little one won't sleep, the downtime in a quiet, dark room helps settle. Plus, it allows your daughter time to play in the pool and gives you all a much needed break.

We use the play areas a lot. My boys love The Laughing Place and the Dumbo queue. For some reason, this simple play helps reset them. And my DH and I use that time to ride swap on Splash Mountain.

We went to MVMCP last Nov. We did not go to the parks until 4pm and spent the day being lazy and napping. We made it until closing, though the then 3.5 yo turned into a cranky mess at around 11:30.

The parade is awesome. We decided to hang out at the Woody and Jesse dance party in the Diamond Horseshoe about an hour prior to parade start. One adult stood outside with the double stroller and held our spot while the other was inside with the kiddos dancing and having a great time. We ended up with great seats and happy kids.

Did you have a decent spot for the parade? And you said only an hour earlier than it started? I think we could handle that and one parent holding the spot with stroller sounds like a good idea. I am sure my DH would be fine sitting for a bit. Are the dance parties super crowded or not to bad? We will def take breaks and the day of the Christmas party we will be at MK earlier in the day but we have to if we want two days at that park and I really want a down day with no parks. But I plan on taking a longer break that day, go back to room after lunch and then not heading back till around dinner or right after if we decide to just eat in room. We will do Crystal palace that morning and try and get Frontierland and Adventure land done. With FP to thunder mountain, haunted mansion and peter pan.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I would go, your kids are morning people so you can get to the parks early before it gets crazy then go back to the hotel for a swim break if it's nice out. My son is actually very good at WDW because there is a lot to keep him entertained and he gets worn out. If you go to MVMCP I would just be prepared for the fact that your ds may fall asleep, if that's not okay with you I would skip it. Maybe that could be a special mommy/dd evening and your son could go out for a fun character dinner with daddy and then go to sleep early.

 

[NicholeB630]

I would go, your kids are morning people so you can get to the parks early before it gets crazy then go back to the hotel for a swim break if it's nice out. My son is actually very good at WDW because there is a lot to keep him entertained and he gets worn out. If you go to MVMCP I would just be prepared for the fact that your ds may fall asleep, if that's not okay with you I would skip it. Maybe that could be a special mommy/dd evening and your son could go out for a fun character dinner with daddy and then go to sleep early.

Were def going to keep the trip! I planned to do the MVMCP on Tuesday night after a long break at room and then Wednesday is a day off at parks so no need to get up to early and rush out. I am going to schedule chef mickeys that morning but not till later like 9. I'll be up at 5:45 tomorrow to book all our ADR

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

Did you have a decent spot for the parade? And you said only an hour earlier than it started? I think we could handle that and one parent holding the spot with stroller sounds like a good idea. I am sure my DH would be fine sitting for a bit. Are the dance parties super crowded or not to bad? We will def take breaks and the day of the Christmas party we will be at MK earlier in the day but we have to if we want two days at that park and I really want a down day with no parks. But I plan on taking a longer break that day, go back to room after lunch and then not heading back till around dinner or right after if we decide to just eat in room. We will do Crystal palace that morning and try and get Frontierland and Adventure land done. With FP to thunder mountain, haunted mansion and peter pan.

The dance party ebbed and flowed, but overall there was plenty of room. We LOVED the dance party (they played a lot of fun songs that moms and dads dig). We would switch by bringing our kids out for a breather and then the other parent would go in.

We did go to the late parade which may have been a factor. But most folks like to watch it on Main Street and by the castle, so it wasn't quite so bad. The crowds were still 4-5 deep though. Having a stroller was key b/c we had folks who kept trying to move closer.

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

Did you have a decent spot for the parade? And you said only an hour earlier than it started? I think we could handle that and one parent holding the spot with stroller sounds like a good idea. I am sure my DH would be fine sitting for a bit. Are the dance parties super crowded or not to bad? We will def take breaks and the day of the Christmas party we will be at MK earlier in the day but we have to if we want two days at that park and I really want a down day with no parks. But I plan on taking a longer break that day, go back to room after lunch and then not heading back till around dinner or right after if we decide to just eat in room. We will do Crystal palace that morning and try and get Frontierland and Adventure land done. With FP to thunder mountain, haunted mansion and peter pan.

The dance party ebbed and flowed, but overall there was plenty of room. We LOVED the dance party (they played a lot of fun songs that moms and dads dig). We would switch by bringing our kids out for a breather and then the other parent would go in.

We did go to the late parade which may have been a factor. But most folks like to watch it on Main Street and by the castle, so it wasn't quite so bad. The crowds were still 4-5 deep though. Having a stroller was key b/c we had folks who kept trying to move closer.

 

[RJstanis]

We took our 8 month old and 2.9 year old boys and had the best time. So much so we are going to Disneyland this summer and Disneyworld Halloween party this fall and still teetering on DVC.

My recommendations with little ones:
-Stay onsite. You pay for convenience primarily but with little ones IMO convenience is almost always worth the price
-Research and Plan Ahead. If you know what you want to see, when best time to see it, utilize fast passes accordingly, and most importantly keep your plan fluid, you will have an awesome time.
-Know your child's strengths and limitations when planning.
-Midday breaks are a must. This is where staying onsite is huge! We would ride bus back to resort, eat, cool off at pool, take a nap and be ready to go back around 4 for more. Keeps everyone happy and prevents burnout
-My kids loved Character Meet and Greets but hated the lines. Pick and choose wisely which ones to see as I sensed my 2.9DM wasn't liking meeting the characters enough to wait in some of the lines so we ended up not seeing all the ones we planned. Luckily we did the ones I knew for sure they would want first so it was less disappointing to skip the rest. Character meals (and now fastpass) satisfy a lot of that without the need for patience!

Plan, plan, and plan but don't be a Nazi about your sched, and adjust accordingly and you will have a blast! We prob only saw half the park but my DMs loved it and that gives us new things to do they haven't experienced yet when we go back this year. My 2.9DM (now 3.9) still talks and remembers things from a year ago!

 

[msmama]

I think where you might be setting yourself up to fail is when you say you "want to do a lot." While you may be able to do "a lot" it may not necessarily be what YOU want to (or think you should) be doing.

I'm a firm believer in only going as fast as the slowest member of your party (that said, it's easy for me because there is only 2 of us).

My son was better behaved at 2 than 3 (we skipped 3 because no way was I going anywhere with him at that point).

Maybe prepare yourself for your group to separate so some can ride while others can do whatever (we're big on window shopping at gift shops).

My son is 6 now and we were recently at Disneyland. We rode maybe 10-15 rides (both parks included) over the 5 days were were there, but we were certainly never bored (well, maybe I was, but my son had a great time). I would say if you go in with certain expectations, that's when you'll be disappointed.

 

[NicholeB630]

I think where you might be setting yourself up to fail is when you say you "want to do a lot." While you may be able to do "a lot" it may not necessarily be what YOU want to (or think you should) be doing.

I'm a firm believer in only going as fast as the slowest member of your party (that said, it's easy for me because there is only 2 of us).

My son was better behaved at 2 than 3 (we skipped 3 because no way was I going anywhere with him at that point).

Maybe prepare yourself for your group to separate so some can ride while others can do whatever (we're big on window shopping at gift shops).

My son is 6 now and we were recently at Disneyland. We rode maybe 10-15 rides (both parks included) over the 5 days were were there, but we were certainly never bored (well, maybe I was, but my son had a great time). I would say if you go in with certain expectations, that's when you'll be disappointed.

Well my idea of getting a lot done is meeting a decent amount of characters (which were doing 4 character dining so that knocks a lot out) plus riding a decent amount of rides. Given we'll get a total of 6 rides for sure using the FP+ that is good and then hopefully getting a few more in each day I'd be happy. I think last time we just wondered around so much and wasted a lot of time but we didn't really know the parks that well and this time I will have a much better idea and I've done a lot more research. I def know to take it to my youngest speed thats great advice! He does like to do a lot so I think we'll be ok. Both mornings at MK we are in the park before 9 due to reservations so we should be able to get a decent start and hopefully hit up some rides in the first couple hours and we def will take breaks. We wont be doing things like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, RnR or ToT at HS. Plus we wont be doing any of the thrill rides at AK park either. Mainly just the kid ones and there are only a few that my son wont be able to ride that we plan on doing the rider swap. I got all my ADR this morning and BBB appointment

 

[NotUrsula]

Don't wait until three, we found that was the age from hell at theme parks, because that is the point at which most kids suddenly realize what the concept of danger means. Both of our kids balked at that age at rides that they had been on many times before, because suddenly they were afraid of this or that aspect.

Here's a phrase that you need to try to eliminate from your vacation vocabulary: "wasting time." Kids *will* find interesting things that they want to explore while at WDW, and telling them no because it will waste time is a recipe for meltdowns -- for you as well as for them. An example of this sort of thing is the lighted sidewalks at Epcot; those will fascinate a 2 yo for HOURS. Let him enjoy them while you enjoy a drink on a nearby bench.

If he is a bolter, get some harness reins. Those will let him safely explore a bit outside the stroller without having to hold hands. (Obviously, keep it adjusted very short in crowds, to eliminate trip hazard.)

Plan to be able split up, and text to keep up with one another. Waiting in character lines is torture for little ones, and it is his trip, too. (Don't be so sure he won't remember it at that age; ours certainly could.) If your DD wants to wait in an interminable character line, take him to do something else. If he freaks out at a character meal because he is afraid of characters (it happens often, believe it or not), then don't try to do another one; it isn't worth the grief. Either cancel and do M&G's in the parks instead, or just have one parent take DD to the character meals. Do this with some thrill ride baby swaps, too; the grown-ups should also get to do things that are their favorites. (For baby swap, the whole family needs to go to the ride line initially, to pick up the return pass. Once you have it, you can go anywhere to wait, and this way, DD will be able to ride twice on some things that her brother is too little for; she'll love that.)

In the evenings, bring his PJ's and toothbrush with you to the park and get him changed and brushed before the parade starts. That way, if he falls asleep in the stroller on the walk out of the park (as he almost surely will), you won't have to wake him to put him to bed.

Also, carry snacks, LOTS of snacks, especially things that are normally not allowed. Treats are a wonderful.distraction.

 

[glassslippergirl]

We have a trip booked for Dec 7th - 14th. My kids will be daughter turning 6 Jan 7th and son 2 and 7 months. We do a lot. We go places a lot, dinner, shopping, we just got back from the FL Keys and spent a week in San Diego this past December when son was 1 and 7 months. Right now he is at an age where of course he doesn't really listen, he goes opposite directions you want him to, he gets cranky (as does the 5 year old) throws fits (but not horrible) Anyways I am starting to second guess our trip. I really want to go. I love Disney we went back when son was 9 months and daughter 4. We only had 4 days so it was rushed we didn't do a lot and it was more crowded than we expected. We had a good time but not a great time. This time were going a whole week, I will have it really planned, I know do book dinning way in advance which is actually tomorrow and we just will have better all around knowledge of the parks. I am second guessing it because I am afraid that it just wont be as enjoyable as I think it will be. I am afraid my son will just be totally exhausting all day and everyone will be getting grumpy. I know he wont remember it and that he wont really even understand what Disney is and where we are. I think he'll def know some characters and he loves the rides we've ridden before ect. This wont be the only time we can go. I planned on this trip and then not going again until son is around 5/6 and daughter around 8/9 so we can afford to take more Disney trips. I am wondering if I should just wait another year when son will be 3 and hopefully a bit more understanding and more verbal and listening a little more (hopefully). I have planned this so much and have done so much research I just dont know. Other parents with kids of small ages what would you do? Would you still go knowing you can go again when both kids are older or wait another year and just suck up the sadness of canceling this trip? My little guy is pretty easy going and easily entertained by things but he is still a typical 2 year old and I am not sure how much he will change in the next 7 months.

Just got back from a short trip with my 23 month old son. He also is in a stage where he is testing his boundaries, and it made the trip difficult. There were some consistencies, like he did not deal well with any shows-- too hard to capture his attention. Some things we could not tell what his reaction would be-- he tried to run away from all characters in the Star Wars breakfast but happily grabbed at Pluto's whiskers. He cried through Small World (I never realized just how long that ride is) but loved the Tea Cups. It was really hard to come up with magical moments, though there were a few. Based in this, my advice would be to wait a year until he is more verbal and can better express likes and dislikes. If you're in doubt, why spend all that money now?

 

[NicholeB630]

Don't wait until three, we found that was the age from hell at theme parks, because that is the point at which most kids suddenly realize what the concept of danger means. Both of our kids balked at that age at rides that they had been on many times before, because suddenly they were afraid of this or that aspect.

Here's a phrase that you need to try to eliminate from your vacation vocabulary: "wasting time." Kids *will* find interesting things that they want to explore while at WDW, and telling them no because it will waste time is a recipe for meltdowns -- for you as well as for them. An example of this sort of thing is the lighted sidewalks at Epcot; those will fascinate a 2 yo for HOURS. Let him enjoy them while you enjoy a drink on a nearby bench.

If he is a bolter, get some harness reins. Those will let him safely explore a bit outside the stroller without having to hold hands. (Obviously, keep it adjusted very short in crowds, to eliminate trip hazard.)

Plan to be able split up, and text to keep up with one another. Waiting in character lines is torture for little ones, and it is his trip, too. (Don't be so sure he won't remember it at that age; ours certainly could.) If your DD wants to wait in an interminable character line, take him to do something else. If he freaks out at a character meal because he is afraid of characters (it happens often, believe it or not), then don't try to do another one; it isn't worth the grief. Either cancel and do M&G's in the parks instead, or just have one parent take DD to the character meals. Do this with some thrill ride baby swaps, too; the grown-ups should also get to do things that are their favorites. (For baby swap, the whole family needs to go to the ride line initially, to pick up the return pass. Once you have it, you can go anywhere to wait, and this way, DD will be able to ride twice on some things that her brother is too little for; she'll love that.)

In the evenings, bring his PJ's and toothbrush with you to the park and get him changed and brushed before the parade starts. That way, if he falls asleep in the stroller on the walk out of the park (as he almost surely will), you won't have to wake him to put him to bed.

Also, carry snacks, LOTS of snacks, especially things that are normally not allowed. Treats are a wonderful.distraction.

Great advice thank you!! I am feeling better about this now and it is huge that we get another year free with him. Because we will go again it will be at least 4/5 years probably so it will be nice to get another free trip with him. He is a pretty good toddler not to awful yet so I think we'll be ok. He's been around some characters so far and doesn't love them but doesn't freak out either. He def isn't a screamer, when he's scared or whatever he just holds on to me or dad and buries his head, so hopefully if he doesn't like them he'll be ok just hiding. We will def split up some I am sure when we wait in lines for meet and greets and I am hoping to avoid a lot by doing the character dining. We will be perfectly fine taking breaks and just letting them explore and play. Hopefully walking around epcot in the worlds area it wont be awfully crowded that he can walk some and stretch his legs and not be confined to the stroller all the time. Plus I plan on parking the stroller when in certain lands and just walking from ride to ride when they are close and give him a chance to run. I am really excited again now and wish December was closer

good idea about the Pj's!!! Since we are going at Christmas time we will see the Christmas party parade then I am not sure what else that late.

 

[rachael95]

Do you have a zoo or other theme park near your house? I'd suggest picking a really hot day and spending all day in the park and then going out to dinner. See how they do that day and the next day how tired they are. I have done that several times with my DS (just turned 2 late Feb.). He sleeps in his stroller great and since we eat out a lot, I have no reservations about bringing him in Sept. when he'll be 2 yr almost 7 mo. We find a quiet, cool spot for his nap time and don't worry about leaving the park.

When you do your trial run, make sure you do everything you would for Disney. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, plan time to rest, etc.

One thing, we are not over-planning our Disney trip. We have one table service reservation for most days, but not every day. We are planning a down day of playing at the hotel for the MNSSHP day and we plan on sleeping in and doing Downtown Disney the day after the party. We don't want to try to cram everything in because we'd rather have a flexible schedule if something needs to be changed because of tiredness, sickness, or other last minute happenings.