advice on disney with three kids under age 4

[funtimes]

I am planning my first visit to the MK with DH and kids ages 4,2,2. We are planning on staying at OKW due to affordability and room size. Our concern is what it will be like lugging three small children and two strollers (one of which will be a double) onto the buses and how it will be in general to get around. Any advice? Also, is there a place within walking distance of OKW to buy groceries? Any advice for our situation would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Here's my two cents. Three tiny kids is tough. Definitely work. I'm not discouraging you - I'd do it in a heartbeat, just be prepared to work hard!

We went with an 18 month old and I was 5 months pregnant. We rented a stroller and it was a piece of cake. We went again with a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 month old, we used our double stroller (Combi - folds very small & is very light weight) and that was smooth sailing!

We went again with a 4 year old, 2 year old and an 8 month old -- and it was much harder. We used 2 strollers (single and double) when my parents were with us for a few days, and one double stroller when it was just the two of us with the kids. We would rent a single for my 4 year old at the parks but had her manage without the stroller to and from the parks.

With the stroller one of us would take the stroller and one child and the other would take two kids -- or all three -- to get on and off the bus. DH would take the stroller and I would take the kids most of the time. Getting on and off the bus is owrk for little ones because the steps are steep. Little ones need to be carried.

Quite honestly this felt like a lot of work on that trip -- and if I were doing it again, I would opt for a hotel that had a boat or monorail to one or more of the parks so that I could just roll the stroller on - at least some - not having to get the kids out, fold it up carry it on., etc.... And at the very least, if you are using bus services all the time, I would at least consider just bringing the double and renting a single so that you don't have to deal with two strollers on the bus all the time.

The biggest draw back in renting (aside from the added expense), is getting to and from the bus stop to the hotel room or from the park to the bus if the 4 year old is very tired, but some of the time the 2 year olds can be inthe double stroller with one parent and the other parent can manage witht he older child (carrying sometimes, if s/he isn't too heavy).

Hope that helps! Like I said, I would do it again in a minute, so I'm not trying to sound too down about it, but my DH and I did work on that vacation! LOL

 

[jel0511]

SnoWhiteRabbit pretty much answered your questions regarding the strolller. I'll go with the groceries. There is a gift shop at OKW called Conch Flats General Store. They have a section of the store with food, and also carry milk, bread and some staples. The prices are VERY high, ie a half galon of milk is $2.99. Other than the small selection (think VERY SMALL convience store) there isn't anything within walking distance of OKW. You'd need a car to get to any of the local grocery stores.

 

[OldSchoolDisney]

I'm a disney fan (or freak as my wife says.......), went the first time with my 2 kids when they were 2 and 10months............was exhausting and they don't remember it at all.....really wasn't worth it.......gave it another try two years later when they were 4 and 3 and it was fantastic.......I guess it depends on how old your youngest is..........we now have three and went last year when they were 6,5 & 1 1/2 and it was tiring even with the older two because the 1 year old is not into strollers because her brothers are never in them........its always a hard call because you don't want the older ones to miss out because their siblings are too little..........My personal opinion (and I assume that it what this site is for) is that taking kids before the age of 3 is very difficult and I'm not sure the experience is worth the difficulties involved.....People on here will tell you they are never too little and I'm wrong, but hey everyone is subject to their opinion and I feel you have to take into account how exhausted you will be and how that will translate to the kids and the trip itself.........If you do it, make the most of it......but I would suggest going at as slow a pace as possible and not trying to do too much..........

 

[DisneyArk]

We went when my sons were 3 and 1 and had a great time. We just returned from our 2nd trip and now they are 3 and 5 and it was a fun new experience. It was a little sad to see how much they have changed and it's not quite as magical - but we were able to enjoy a lot of new things. My point is that your 2 and 4 year olds will really be able to feel the "magic" of Disney at this age!

I agree that you might consider taking only the double stroller to the parks and renting one for your 4 year old. The strollers that you rent are very easy to push! You can still take both strollers to use at the resort, but you might try renting at the parks. Getting on and off the bus can be a major ordeal.

How are you planning to get to the resort? We took a towncar from the airport to the Wilderness Lodge Villas. It included a free stop at a grocery story. That worked out great for us! On our previous trip we used the Mear's bus and it was a terrible experience for us. It was worth the extra money to have the towncar. We used Cartier towncar service.

Best of luck!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I think you'll have a great time as long as you go slow. I went last year with my DD (3 1/2) for her 1st trip while I was 6 months pregnant and I just couldn't rush, rush, rush. I knew we'd be back (I didn't think so soon...) I am planning a trip in Jan with DD(4 1/2), DS(3), and DD(nearly 1). We're taking along another adult because DH doesn't really want to go and I know I need help to keep him from getting overwhelmed. I'm hoping this trip will convert him and he'll see that the Magic is worth the work.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

I liked to add my 2 cents.

We have gone every year for the past 3 years. Two of the years we traveled with our now 4 year old and 3 year old twins. I can definately say it is quite a job and this past summer it was so bad that I said I wasn't coming back until they were older. Well we have a trip planned back this summer, again. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to not have too many plans. We traveld with a double stroller and an umbrella stroller for the convience of it. My 4 year old likes to start out walking so I can just hook the umbrella stroller over the handles. It was horrible trying to get 3 kids, 2 strollers, a cooler, and a backpack on a bus with just 2 people. We finally decided that driving to the parks were so much easier and a lot less stress.

I had so many plans last year of just going and hanging out at the parks and enjoying my kids. Well all 3 kids got sick about half way down of a 15 hour drive. That pretty mcuh set the tone of the whole week. We had planned for this trip for 2 years and I was so stressed and disappointed. I have learned that this trip I am not really planning anything. We have one day planned at a park and if things go well we may do some more.

All in all it is very difficult to travel with 3 young kids, but just going out to dinner at home with them is tough. It is work, but I figure I would rather it be tough there and enjoy the sight s than not going at all. You know your kids and what they can take and just go at their pace. Expect to make changes in your plans, you have to do that at home. I don't care if my kids don't remember there vacation to Disney, I remember their vacation to Disney. I will always have the memories of my kids faces when they were there. That to me is priceless. The pictures I have of my kids in all the goofy hats I make them try on.

Just take your time, and take it slow.

 

[deb305]

DH and I went in January with our4.5 yr DD and newly 1 DS. Basically it felt like two separate vacations. One of us would take the older on rides, and the other would push the 1 yr old around. We only seemed to have troubles when we tried to do things together in the parks. If you can emotionally do it, divide and conquer worked well for us. We had lots of together time at the resort in the late afternoon and early morning. We'll go in Oct '04 when they are 6 and almost 3. By then they'll only be a couple of inches apart (almost 2 yr old is 35" tall, 5.5 yr old is 41") we'll be able to stay together.

 

[HM]

Not to rain on your parade.....but why not wait until they are all a bit older to go?

We didn't plan/take our first trip until both kids were over 4 years old (4 and 6), just so we didn't have to deal with all the accoutrements that come with toddlers. We are really glad that we did. The kids were able to walk for themselves, no longer needed an afternoon nap, and could enjoy many more of the attractions than they would have at two years old.

Just my opinion...

-HM

 

[Lexxiefern]

My recommendation is to rent a car and drive to the parks. Except maybe MK, because if you drive you will still need to take the ferry or the monorail over. Also, you may want to visit the rent/trade board here on the dis and see about staying at the boardwalk villas or the beach club villas. Nothing wrong with Old Key West at all, just that BWV and BCV are close to 2 parks - which means you wouldn't need to fold up your stroller and board a bus when going to Epcot or MGM.

But OKW is beautiful and I am staying there in January.

I often feel rushed and cramped taking our stroller and DD on the bus (and I only have one ). But driving is really easy. Especially at OKW where you park right outside your room. You didn't mention if you will have a car or not, but we have found it well worth the little bit of extra $$.

I would definately go and like others have said - just take your time and don't make too many plans. Good luck!!

 

[WEHAVEM]

We went with our twin boys 2 1/2 and have gone 3 times since...I agree with the previous post...if you can afford it use a rent a car and drive from park to park...it is very difficult getting on and off the bus with strollers...you've got three children that will make it even more difficult...we went to the parks early....stayed a few hours...went back to the hotel used the pool...went back to the parks for a couple hours after supper...take your time...don't expect to see everthing this trip...enjoy the characters...we've got a ton of memorable pictures...don't let anyone tell you that they don't remember...you'll have a blast if your patient and take your time.

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Here's something you might want to try one day and see how it works for you. Leave your own stroller(s) at your hotel, get to the park however seems easiest to you at the time, depending on which park you're heading to. Bus, boat etc. will be easy since you won't have to lug the stroller(s) on. Then once you get into the park rent one of the double strollers there. Put the twins into the 2 seats, and when the 4 yr old gets tired, s/he can sit on the platform at the bottom, by the twins' feet. I don't know if I'm describing that right, but one time at WDW when our twins were 4 and our younger son was 18 mos., we were able to fit all 3 kids in the double stroller just fine with one of the 4 yr. olds sitting as I described. Most of the time the 4 yr. olds wanted to walk anyway, but when they did get tired, they had somewhere to sit. Anybody else done this?

 

[Ambassador]

Mrs. Ambassador and I have found it hard enough getting on the bus with just one single stroller and two small delegates. Especially at peak times when the bus is full. The suggestion to rent strollers at the parks is a good one. You may exchange at no charge between parks and at the MK train stops. We have used a cable lock for our own stroller at bus stops and within the parks to rent a double stroller.

Also, Mrs Embassy insists on limo service from the airport to the resort, with a stop at Publix along the way. The champagne, caviar and other needed sundries are much less costly.

It is most important to keep in mind that your pace will be slower than most visitors. Forget about schedules, enjoy frequent snacks and eat an early dinner. No one but Mrs. Ambassador has minded our little delegation behaving like british mod-rockers trashing the most chereche places. Bring swimmies and towels to hang out at several water features like 'Ariels Grotto'. It will be challenging to fit five onto most rides. The recent addition of our beloved Uncle Ambassador has allowed for numerous ride possibilities, including ventures into adult pleasures like 'Haunted Mansion', 'Tower of Terror' and the 'Food and Wine Festival'. Do take the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney and enjoy the little train ride and Rainforest Cafe (call for reservations).

Above all else, you should consider safety first. Remember what the kids are wearing (take a digital picture each morning), talk to them about staying close by, help them recognize cast members, and have a plan should anyone get lost. There are excellent baby centers in each park for supplies or a quiet respite.

 

[cinder1]

I would not hesitate to try it. Just be prepared for one of you to skip rides that the 2 year olds cannot ride. I agree that even 1 single stroller is a pain to get on and off the bus, but we have always done it. I like having the stroller with me especially for walks back to the bus when leaving. The little one is always worn out by then. We went when my current 3 (I'm pregnant with no. 4) were 6, 4 and 22 mths and had a blast. The youngest and I just did our own thing when he couldn't ride something. The then 4 yr old doesn't like "scary" rides so sometimes it was me and the 2 youngest while DH and oldest DD rode. Still a great time. When they were 3, 6 and 7, the same things occurred -- me and youngest 1 or 2 doing our own thing some of the time, always nearby the "scary" rides that DH and oldest DD were on. We are going in Jan and the kids will be 8, almost 7 and DS will turn 4 while we are there and I will be over 5 months pregnant.

As for a stroller for your 4 yr old....when my middle one was 4, we did not take a stroller for her at all and did not rent one. When she was real tired, she would ride on DH's shoulders or ride in the single stroller while DS rode on DH. But most of the time, she did not want or need a stroller. I would not take a stroller for the 4 yr old to the parks. If you need one, you can rent it. Save the receipt and if you park hop, show your receipt at the next park and you don't pay again.

I absolutely think the 2 yr olds will have a great time. Even when my youngest was 22 mths, he had a blast and still remembers at least the fun and magic. This is doable but you need the right attitude going into it. Also, as much trouble as getting on and off the busses with the stroller will be, it will be forgotten as soon as you reach the parks!!

Have a great time.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Well said Cinder1....That's what I was trying to say, too. We did it, it was work, but definitely manage-able, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again! The 2 year olds and 4 year old will have a blast! VERY magical at those ages!!

And they will still do plenty together - all of Fantasyland, Jungle Cruise, Aladin, shows, Tom Sawyer Island, Playhouse Disney, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the playugrounds, mostof Animal Kingdom -- there really is plenty that 2 and 4 year olds will enjoy together....and just be prepared to split up for the few things that they won't do together.

Have fun!

PS - Good luck with #4 Cinder1.

 

[trip]

With 3 under the age of 4 bring along another person - adult or teen. That way each little one will have their own handler.

 

[missypie]

Sounds like the OP already has her plans made, but for anyone else with small kids: Consider DLR in California. Disney Visa is running great specials - rooms at the Disneyland Hotel starting at $139 per night. Many rooms there have day beds (and thus, sleep 5) and the rooms have a small fridge (not a mini-bar) There are two parks there and because of space constraints, everything is much closer together. Both parks offer quite a bit for the little ones. Then in a few years you can "graduate" to WDW.

 

[Dancind]

Missypie, that's exactly what we did. Two trips to DL when DD was 21 mos. and 4. I remember how cute she was with the characters at the younger age, and she liked the rides in Fantasyland and Toontown. She loved the Go Coaster! DL is perfect for smaller kids. We waited until she was almost 8 to try WDW, and it was a fantastic trip. She loved everything. And we didn't have to carry or push her anywhere, plus there were no melt downs. Well, Dad had one, but that doesn't count.

That said, we are planning a WDW trip with stepson, wife, and DGD when she hits 2. There will be four adults and one teen to keep this child happy. We won't mind missing rides, etc, or kicking back in the room for naps while the younger set commando the parks, because we have been many times.

In other words, I second the suggestion of taking at least one other adult along! Diana

 

[Ellester]

My older dd has been to WDW three times, at 2yrs, 2 1/2 yrs, and 5 years. The last trip, my second dd was 21 months. Now to be fair, we did have at least one grandparent with us each visit, but we really didn't have any problems. The buses were the biggest issue, but I put me in charge of the kids and DH in charge of the stroller (the 5 year old hasn't really used one since she was 2). Some busses let us stow it underneath, othertimes it sat at DH's feet. I would not trade anything for the memory of dd#1 dancing with Cinderella (her favorite) at 2 or dd#2 hugging Minnie at 18 months. We are going again in January, dd#1 will be 5 1/2 and dd#2 will be almost 2 1/2. We will have grandparents again (along with a niece, 5 and nephew, 3 and their parents), so that will help. What helped me the most was remembering that the trip was for the kids, that helped me stay out of commando mode for the most part. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time, even if you do need another vacation when you get home!