Am I nuts to go with the 2 little ones?

[momofmikey]

Hi - was just curious people's opinions. I will be going to WDW in early December with my almost 3 yo DS, and 7 mo DS. My sister who is now in Hershey Park with her 5 yo DS and 9 yo DD, keeps calling to tell me I'm nuts to take the kids to Florida - kids are too unpredictable, blah, blah. Granted, my 3 yo is VERY ACTIVE - never sits still, always likes to be on the run. He will sit in a stroller outside, but not in malls or stores. He's also going through the terrible 2's - if he doesn't get his way, he throws mini tantrums - generally a happy little boy but crazy active.

Our view is that as long as we take a realistic attitude going down and realize that the kids will essentially dictate the trip, then we'll be fine. We think though that 3 yo will be so excited by the sights and sounds, and really be pretty good. The 7 month old will probably just take it all in in his stroler or snugli.

How many people have done this trip with kids similar in ages to mine, and what's your view on it?

Thanks!

 

[Kimberle]

No, you're not at all nuts. Our dd was 2.5 the first time we took her to Disney. She absolutly loved it!

Personally, I think the people that are "nuts" are the ones who wait for the "perfect" time. Life always throws curve balls, there is never a "perfect" time in life.

You will be making wonderful family memories. The look on your child's face will be priceless.

 

[chinamom3]

Go! And make memories! Remember, it's us adults who think we have to do it all, see it all, experience it all in one trip. The little ones will be so "in the moment" that they won't be thinking ahead to needing to get the next Fastpass, seat for the parade, etc. I have two older children, and now a 7 year old. I am taking every opportunity to make memories instead of planning and worrying about every little detail. We'll be back down there for our first MNSSHP-just the two of us, dad has to work, older siblings could care less. We're going to have a blast! So will you-just enjoy it all through their eyes, and RELAX!!

 

[pooh6890]

I had it rough with my twin girls at Age 5. I couldn't imagine taking them until they were at least that age. They were at an age where they could understand and enjoy being there. BUT, everyone is different. They are now 18 and we still are in awe of all the strollers and babies at DW. I can't figure out if the parents are taking the kids for the kids or just themselves. You need to figure out what your reasons are. I would never take a baby, but that is me. There are so many germs floating around and the sun in Orlando is HOT. It's a decision only you can make and if you feel it is right for your family, do it and enjoy yourself. The older one will probably have a blast. I just don't feel babies belong in the theme parts. If I had to take a baby, I would spend lots of time at the resort and surrounding areas instead of the parks. Again, this is just my opinion and you will figure out what is best for you. Whatever you decide, have a good time!

 

[sprtnfan]

No, you are not nuts! I've been down 3x's with my DD. We went when she was 6mos, 18mos and most recently 2 1/2 years. Our most recent trip also included our second DD who was 10mos at the time. I think that the most frustrating trip for me was when she was 18mos because I had expectations that she would love the parks and characters, but she didn't. I often found myself frustrated and ready to go home. On our most recent trip, I had to relax and let them tell me what they wanted to do. So, we usually went to a park in the morning, did a few rides and walked around. We would return back to the resort for lunch and a nap. Then return back to the parks in the evening or maybe skip the parks and play in the pools, go to DTD, etc. It was a lot of fun for all of us and she has great memories of AKL and GF. Of course, now she thinks there are animals at every hotel we stay at!

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

We were just there in May with our then 8 month old and 4 1/2 yr old. The biggest pain is the stroller factor (collapsing for the busses). Other than that, if you don't try to do the parks "commando" style and just take your time, all should be fine.

This is the 4th trip for the 4 1/2 yr old.....we've been taking him every year since he was 5 months old.

 

[missypie]

1. Know thyself
2. Know thy kids.
3. Know thy spouse.

What do you expect from this trip? If you expect it to be like one of the videos or commercials, or expect the 3 yr. old to run gleefully into Mickey's arms, or expect you and your spouse to hit all the "e rides" then don't go. If the 3 yr. old CANNOT stand in a line without running off, don't go. If spouse will leave you alone with the kids while he goes to ride all the thrill rides and if that will bother you, don't go. If this would be the only WDW trip ever, don't go.

But if you are a relaxed, flexible family that will be okay if you don't fit every thing in, go and have fun.

My BIL and SIL have taken their kids to WDW since the kids were infants ... BUT, they rent a condo on the beach in FL every single year for spring break and go to one of the WDW parks one day. They know that they will be back the next year, so if they miss somthing, it's not the end of the world. They are also comfortable with quite a bit of chaos in their lives.

My DH and I know ourselves (and I know DH!) and for many reasons, we chose to wait until our kids were 12, 10 and 7 for their first Disney vacation. It went well and for our family, it was best to wait.

 

[TwingleMum]

If your sister thinks your nuts she'd probably commit me. I'm going to WDW with my 3 yr old and 8 mos old twins. We plan on taking it real slow. A few hours in the park in the morn , go back to resort nap, lunch swim for a few hours, then a few hours in the park at night. Or we might opt for just riding the monorail & watching the fireworks from our resort. My son loved riding the monorail when he was 1(the last time we were there). He still talks about it. Don't rush them , you might think they'll love Dumbo when they might be thrilled by the monorail and want to ride it over & over. Just enjoy their pleasure. Also I think with small children its essential to stay onsite so its easy to take nap breaks. Have a magical time.

 

[Momof2boys]

No, you are not nuts. It just really depends on how you approach the trip. We went to Disneyland when my boys were 3 and 11 months, WDW when they were 5 and almost 3 and we are going again in November at 5-1/2 and 3.

If you go with a relaxed attitude then you will be fine. Most days, we went to the parks early (my kids get up early) we did what they wanted to do and then we left at lunch and went back to the resort for a swim and nap. Then we went back to the parks after dinner for a few hours. We had a couple of none park days were we just hung out at the resort/pool. A few days we even slept in and just went to the parks from about 11pm until dinner. We did spend a lot of time at the MK, but dh and I were fine with that. Dh does not like thrill rides, so that wasn't a problems. I like them, but still enjoyed just doing the kid rides with my boys. You are going at a nice cool time of the year that shouldn't be too crowded.

If you relax and are flexible, you will be just fine. We really didn't have any touring plan. We just made it up as we went along. Both our trip have been wonderful and we are looking forward to our next one over Thanksgiving.

 

[TinaMedley]

I wouldn't take children that age to Hershey Park, but we took DD almost 3 and DS 16 months and had a great time. We stayed on property and when back to our room for naps. As a matter of fact we are going back in Feb. So have a great time.

 

[DisneyArk]

We took my sons in Dec 2001 when they where 3 and 1. We had a wonderful time! My 3 year old was a wild and crazy little guy who NEVER rode in a stroller or took a nap. We rented the big strollers at WDW and he loved them. He was able to get in and out by himself. Even though my 3 year old was active, he did pretty good if we would explain things up front and set his expectations. December is a great time to go because the weather is nice and the crowds aren't too bad on the weekdays.

You've got the right idea by saying you'll be flexible. Do what works for your family. We didn't take breaks during the day. I know that sounds crazy, but my 3 year old would not take a nap! One day we started at 8:00 and stayed until midnight for the Very Merry Christmas Party. The boys loved it!

The boys are now 3 and 5 and we're going back in November! The boys love looking at the pictures of them with the characters. I think they remember the pictures more than the actual trip. But my dh and I have wonderful memories that we will always cherish!

Best of luck! Disney is pure magic to toddlers and preschoolers!

 

[dsnylndmom]

I don't think you're nuts but I do agree with your sister that kids are unpredictable. That said, if you plan on being flexible and not having high expectations for the kids loving the characters ride etc etc go for it!!!

I've taken my boys, they are now 4.5 and almost 9, to Disneyland since they were 1 year(the 4.5 year old)and 18 mths(the almost 9 year old). We waited till this year to do WDW with them simply because it is so much more expensive(vs just driving down to DL)

When we went down in April my friend must up with us for the afternoon, her kids were 4 and almost 5 month old. The 5 month old was in the baby bjorn and was happy as a clam, especially on Small World! Her 4 year old was the opposite of mine, she was scared of almost all the dark rides(except Alice)and didn't care for the Tiki Room or Bugs Life, but loved the characters!

Each age has had it's positives and it's negatives. And remember all kids are different, some will ride anything they are tall enough for(my boys are like this)and some don't like the rides. Some love the characters(mine do)and some are scared of them.

Just be prepared, bring snacks to help when you are in line some people swear by bubble while waiting for parades or rides. Take alot of time to explore your resorts. Let your 3 year old get a light up toy the first day to play with for the rest of the nights during the trip. If your 7 mth old is ready for a first haircut get it done at the barbershop, do your 3 year olds there too! They get cute colored gel and "pixie dust" and first haircuts get mouse ears that say first haircut.

I don't know if you are against using a "leash" of any kind, but I used a wrist one with my EXTREMELY active 4.5 year old when he was 2-3.5. It gave him a little more freedom and me a little more sense of security(he loves to run)and although he'll balk at a stroller at home he'll use one at the parks.

Just go with the flow, especially if you plan on coming back in the future, and know you don't have to do everything.

Good luck & have a great trip!

 

[blanq]

I think Missypie's three recommendations are right on! Knowing all in your party, and their limits, is so key to having a wonderful WDW vacation! I cringe when I recall all of the times I have seen parents verbally laying into their small children out of their own frustration, anger, exhaustion, whatever, in the parks. I also have seen many small children with smiles on their faces, accompanied by attentive and seemingly warm parents. Children are not predictable. Throw them in an overstimulating, overwhelming, crowded, hot environment and see just how unpredictable they actually get. I know my limits, and I know that my limits would not allow me to take two small children to WDW. I personally could not handle strollers and diapers and naps and crowds and heat. When we decided to go to WDW for the first time, when our DS was 6, we did so with much forethought. Our DS was able to navigate the parks without a stroller, had the stamina to not fall to pieces if we (as a group) decided wait until later afternoon to head back for a break, and didn't come unglued in the restaurant for our evening meal. He was an active participant in the decision-making, rather than a child in tow, following our whims. We had an amazing, relaxing and wonderful trip. Could our DS have handled a trip to WDW before age 6? Absolutely! But I fear if we had gone earlier, I would have turned into one of those parents who verbally lay into their kids. Honestly, the thought that I actually might have that in me makes me cringe at myself!