Any last minute tips, trip w/ the whole family and 2 yr old

[GeoffM24]

Hey guys,
Oct 7th the wife and I are taking our 2 year old, her parents, my parents, and her sister and fiance to WDW. My wife, son and I are staying until the 14th but we split up our families a little having just my wifes family the 7th through the 11th and my parents the 10th through the 14th. We figure this way everyone will be able to have time with our son.

We are all staying at Beach Club Villas.

We have read as much as possible in order to maximize our sons vacation and stay at his pace.

My wife's sisters fiance has never been so I have to make sure that I let them wonder around and "find" things on their own instead of pulling him from one ride to the next so he doesn't miss anything. I need to remember finding things, even if you miss attractions, is half the fun.

Two things that worry me are napping, we plan on taking him back for a nap everyday since he naps two hours + everyday at about 12:00 now. I'm worried that a stroller nap just won't be enough for him. Also bed time is 8:00.

I'm also worried about him having a tough time leaving everyone to go nap, I'm not sure this will go over well.

Another concern I have is the grandparents wanting to give him lots of sweets. We try to limit the amout of sweets and I don't want him up all night with a bad stomach.

On the plus side he has a very outgoing personality and loves people. He also loves adventures and playing rough. He loves things like being tossed in the air, jumping, spinning etc. For him the faster and higher the better.

Any advice to people with lots of childless Disney experience, lots of others eager to help out a two year old and a newbie?

 

[all4fun]

Two things that worry me are napping, we plan on taking him back for a nap everyday since he naps two hours + everyday at about 12:00 now. I'm worried that a stroller nap just won't be enough for him. Also bed time is 8:00.

Our ds isn't a great sleeper at home but he had no problems napping in his stroller at WDW and no problems getting him to fall asleep at night once back in the room. I know many people here recommend going back to the hotel for naps but when we have tried that ds actually would not go to sleep so it was kind of a waste of time and effort on our parts. You just have to figure out what works for you and go with the flow. One thing we did do to help facilitate stroller naps was buy a cover that completely draped the stoller to help block out light. We bought the Kiddopotamus Babyshade but the Rayshade seen here would work well too. Just thought I'd mention it.

I'm also worried about him having a tough time leaving everyone to go nap, I'm not sure this will go over well.

Maybe wait until he starts to doze off before leaving your party? Just a thought...

Another concern I have is the grandparents wanting to give him lots of sweets. We try to limit the amout of sweets and I don't want him up all night with a bad stomach.

I would just tell them that... Also treats at WDW aren't cheap so maybe that will help limit them some too.

On the plus side he has a very outgoing personality and loves people. He also loves adventures and playing rough. He loves things like being tossed in the air, jumping, spinning etc. For him the faster and higher the better.

It sounds like he will have a great time!

Any advice to people with lots of childless Disney experience, lots of others eager to help out a two year old and a newbie?

Follow your ds's cues. As far as your SIL's fiance goes, it kind of depends on what kind of park goer he is. If he's willing to let you lead the way, then that is great. If he wants to go off and do their own thing from time to time then that is ok too. I have traveled with family members to WDW and it can be frustrating at times when they expect you to plan the whole thing and then blame you when they aren't having a great time . I think it would be wise to encourage your family members to do some research and reading up on WDW and decide for themselves what they want to do and then come together with some sort of plan on how your trip is going to be organized. You can plan times apart if you want and then schedule in times to meet up and have meals or enjoy some different events or attractions together. We also found using the park itineraries from the Passporter book to be very helpful. There are other options too, i.e. the Unofficial Guide to WDW has itineraries, and Tour Guide Mike. Jmho and thoughts from our previous experience traveling w/extended family.

hth!!!

 

[Love the Mouse]

We went in May with our 2 year old and did not have a good time. I think it was just too much for her all day and then she barely napped in the stroller. She just laid there and looked around and if she did fall asleep, it wasn't for long at all. I think it was just too much stimulation. She doesn't normally go down for a nap, unless I am extremely blessed one day, but is in bed by 7pm. But with all of the stimulation she never wanted to go to sleep either. She was up till 9 then awake again around 6:30 -7am. Not enough sleep.

We are going back in 6 days and I am revising my schedule from the last time. This time we are going early to the parks...when they open. I am going to take her to her section of the park and go on rides and let her play in Pooh corner play area. Let her get some play time with the kids. I am hoping if I give her that time to be a 2 year old, maybe it won't be too bad.

Then at 1pm it's back to the room for quiet time and hopefully a nap. Maybe play some games with her. Color.

I am hoping that taking her away from the stimulation for a few hours will not result in a very cranky 2 year old. She also loves the "Boom Booms" as she calls them. So one night, maybe 2 she will be able to stay up for the fireworks as a treat.

Good Luck. I know I am going to need it.

Michaela





Our Little Princess

 

[monorailsilver]

I have taken a 15 month old once and a 4 yo (she was the 15 mo old) & a 22 month old once.

Both times as in all our Disney trips, we return to our room for a nap/rest.

There was no ifs ands or butts about it & it is our regular routine.

I found that my kids took longer naps while at Disney which meant they were able to stay up until 10 (they would nap from about 1-2 until about 4 when I had to start waking them up).

My then 4 yo didn't nap anymore but we made her while we were there (she was not fun to wake up either after her nap).

As for sweets, it's not like you they are going to eat sweets constantly. We do one or two treats a day depending. I mean if it is really hot then they will get extra ice cream/popcicles along with water, water, water.

I am not one for stroller napping. I think there needs to be down time away from everything & if they (this is my kids) nap in a stroller & hear something that may jolt them from a deep sleep (when they are not ready to wake up) then they won't go back to sleep & will just be miserable for the day.