Anyone else have big age gap between kids. How did you plan?

[tzolkin]

I really can't possibly see why you would want/need to bring along another child. I know others will disagree but we would never consider needing to have a "friend" for a child because the intent of our vacations is to spend quality family time.

My kids are now 15, 9, and 7. We have been going to Disney since the youngest was under two. We have never had any experience during those trips that made us think the age gap was an issue. If anything it has actually made the trips more special.

My oldest always used to say that she loved having them along as an "excuse" to be excited about the "little kid" attractions. She probably would have passed on character interactions but despite "meeting them for the little kids" I have so many pictures of her kissing and joking around where her face is lit up with joy.

The last two trips she would often walk hand in hand with them and they had a blast riding attractions by themselves. Before our last trip she bought matching Star Wars shirts for her and my youngest that they wore to HS. They were hugging and sitting next to each other all day. The sibling bonding moments are some of my best family memories. They don't happen often at home and I am certain there would e fewer (if any) opportunities if we brought along a "friend" for our oldest on vacation.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I really can't possibly see why you would want/need to bring along another child. I know others will disagree but we would never consider needing to have a "friend" for a child because the intent of our vacations is to spend quality family time.

My kids are now 15, 9, and 7. We have been going to Disney since the youngest was under two. We have never had any experience during those trips that made us think the age gap was an issue. If anything it has actually made the trips more special.

My oldest always used to say that she loved having them along as an "excuse" to be excited about the "little kid" attractions. She probably would have passed on character interactions but despite "meeting them for the little kids" I have so many pictures of her kissing and joking around where her face is lit up with joy.

The last two trips she would often walk hand in hand with them and they had a blast riding attractions by themselves. Before our last trip she bought matching Star Wars shirts for her and my youngest that they wore to HS. They were hugging and sitting next to each other all day. The sibling bonding moments are some of my best family memories. They don't happen often at home and I am certain there would e fewer (if any) opportunities if we brought along a "friend" for our oldest on vacation.

I agree. I don't bring anyone along and really avoid "group" vacations to WDW like the plague.

DS and DD are typical siblings but he adores his sister and when at WDW he gets on the kid rides with her and does "girly" things to make her happy. I'm sure if I brought along one of his friends he wouldn't do those things and try to act tougher.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Next trip they will be 15 and 9. I think we may split up for some things but by this time I think we will all be on the same page most of the time.

My kids are the same age.
DS is 15
DD just turned 10.

DS would eat at the castle like a trooper while DD reciprocated .

When DS was younger, he would do the Pirate cruise and or jedi training while she waited.

Now she can ride anything and everything and has no fear. They love the same rides and same restaurants.
Family vacations is about the only place those two dont fight.

Friends DO NOT go on vacation with us. Thats why its a family vacation.

 

[FreeThinker]

My kids will range in age from almost 3 to 11. We actually chose Disney (for the 3rd year in a row) because there is a variety for all ages to enjoy. If we did a park the 11 year old would love, like Universal, the little one would only get to ride an handful of rides, and our family would be separated all day. I'm not sure how tall your 5 year old is, but mine was able to ride everything except RnR (which we all skipped due to only 2 of 5 kids being able to ride). THat means your family can stay together all day and ride most everything together