Advice please - I have never taken a child

[rebbeca]

I'm not sure if this is the board to post this on, but I know you guys can help.

I have to opportunity to take my 7-year-old 2nd cousin for part of the summer. I live in TN and she lives in WV. We met last summer at my mother's funeral. We absolutely fell in love

Anyway, she wants to come down for a few weeks this summer. We own a horse farm and she thinks that is soooo exciting. I am going to book the FTP at All Stars Movies for seven nights.

This child has never been any where (well, she's only 7). They live a very depressed area and don't do much. Her mother doesn't even drive.

What do you think? I'm thinking that for eight days, we could just take things at a real slow pace and enjoy ourselves. Since it is during the summer, the parks will be open longer, right?

I always go in Dec, Jan, and Feb with my now 16-YO DS. He will not got this trip as we already have one planned in Sep. It will be just myself and the little girl. I have three boys and have never been around little girls much.

I'm thinking about doing the Silver Add-On, but mostly pay for her meals or we can share (except for the character meals, which are a most). What are the childcare facilities like? I thought she might enjoy a few hours at one and I could go to the spa.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm so excited to be able to do this for her.

 

[MomE@Home]

I just wanted to tell you that I think what your planning is the sweetest thing ! What a lucky little girl to have a wonderful cousin like you !

 

[FleurdeLise]

What a perfect age for that first WDW trip!

There's a "Disney for families" board here on the DIS that might help. Also the "Theme Park Stradegies" board...inthe summmer thirst,high cost of water,mist fans,mid day breaks all are key elements. Have fun!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

What a lovely gesture. She is a very lucky little girl. I would book
the Wonderland Tea Party and Grand Adventures in Cooking at the GF. Also try to have a meal with the princesses. And like you said, you can go at a nice pace.

Good Luck.

 

[MinnieGi]

She will be sooooooo thrilled!!!! What a wonderful time you both will have and I'm sure she will be just enchanted with her stay with you and at WDW. At 7 she will be able to enjoy so many rides but still have that "little kid" spark. Make sure you hit the parades and fireworks! I'm sure since its the summer you will have to take things slow and make sure she stays hydrated, well that goes for both of you!

Have fun and have a ball planning!

 

[susy]

Breaks are a must. Make sure she has at least two swim suits and lots of sunscreen! If she is an early riser, take advantage of EE at MK. See if you can book the princess breakfast at CRT , Epcot, or Cinderella's at the GF. I think she would really enjoy the Tea Pary and you could go to the spa right at the GF! Crystal Palace is aslo a very cute meal and they have breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would not prepay for meals because you never know how hungry you will be. You might be able to split a lot of meals!

At ASMo request the Dalamation section so you aren't too far from the pool/food/buses.

Put her mom at ease with this idea:

I always pack a roll of masking tape and a sharpie. When I put an outfit on my son, I write my cell phone number on a strip of tape and put it on his back (or other place where it can be seen) and I have my phone on me at all times. I do this just in case he freaks. At least the number is plainly seen if he is too upset to talk.

 

[stacy6552]

yes this is a wonderful thing to be able to do. Have you spoken with her mother? I wouldnt deny my child the experience, but if i were not able to take her i would be heart sick at missing it, especially the first and maybe only time. I would definately encourage her to come. If you cannot afford the extra pass, maybe she can. While the cost of an entire trip can be daunting, being able to go with your child for the cost of a pass might be a chance she cannot pass up.