Anyone gone with 2 year old and new baby?

[TravelingJen24]

We want to use our DVC this year, but just had a baby and are afraid it will be too hard with our two year old. We have banked points so we have to do something because I do not want to go through all the trouble of selling them. Another concern I have is flying all the way over there from Ca.
If you did go, what would you do with the little tikes? Would you go when the baby was still small or wait a few months until she was crawling. By the way, my two year old is a terror, if that helps any. Thanks for the input/

 

[sheryl0521]

We have traveled with 2.5 yr old DS and 3 month old DS (not at the same time though.) It is a different kind of Disney vacation, but it can also be a memorable one! Take things slow, plan on nap times either in strollers or back to the room in the afternoons. It may actually be one of the most relaxing trips you will ever take to WDW!

Take those banked points and I would book a nice comfortable 1 or 2-bedrom DVC villa and just enjoy!

Also - you can still get the kiddies in the parks for free as they need tickets once they turn 3.

 

[shantay1008]

We just took kids aged 2, 4 and 6 to China to get their sister (so we added a 13-month-old on the way home), and they did incredibly well on the long flights over and back. When my oldest two were 2.5 and 1.5, we had an opportunity to accompany my husband to Vancouver for a conference. I called the NWA ticket agent and was dithering about nap times and what to do about this and that, and, after listening patiently for a while, she said, gently but firmly, "I have five kids, and I think that you, as the parent, should just plan what makes sense, and the kids will do what they need to do." Best travel advice I ever got!

We always pack little goodie bags to keep them busy. We bought a portable DVD player for the trip to China (about $100 at Costco, I think) and that worked well. If your older child sleeps well in a car seat, you might want consider bringing that along. It can be a pain to lug around, but it might be worth it if s/he will sleep better in it on the flight. We didn't have car seats for 3.5 (his legs are so long now, it's hard for him not to kick the seat in front of him) and 1.5 on our last trip to WDW this month, but they did all right. The flight wasn't full so 3.5 was able to lay down for a nap and I held 1.5.

The other poster is right about this being a different kind of trip with little ones. But one of my favorite trips was when oldest DS was 6 months old and we stayed at the CR while DH had a conference. We went for long walks, swam, took the buses to the different resorts and explored...just really got to know WDW well. It's one of my favorite memories from his babyhood.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi!

We're grandparents and we're flying to Boston to help DS and DDil with the 3 that they have, aged, 1,2,3 when we head for the VWL this August. (We're then ALL flying to MCO from Boston.)

We know that it's going to be the most different WDW vacation ever. Maybe just doing parks 1-2 mornings out of 5. I think the parents are in need of some away from the house time, and we'll be there to help. Is there any chance that you can invite some grandparents/aunt/sister someone to help?

At least with DVC you'll have a place to go while the little ones nap. DH and I used to sit on the floor in the hall outside our room (playing cards) at the Poly during nap time!

I hope you do decide to go and that you have a most wonderful time.

Bobbi

 

[DisneyDad]

We're leaving on Saturday for OKW for 6 days with a 2 yo and a 6 mo. While a part of me is asking myself if we're nuts, I keep reminding myself that we're going to take it as it comes. We have only two park days planned and when I say days, it'll probably mean mornings only. The rest of the time will be spent at the pools (okw & ssr), searching for the best play areas, taking a boat ride, napping (myself included), mini golf, eating ice-cream, resort hopping, walking around Celebration and maybe heading to Cypress Gardens if they're up for it. I'm actually looking forward to not having a commando style trip like DW and I use to do pre-kids. Go and enjoy yourself and enjoy their ages, sure there are things that we can't do right now but we'll be back for many years to come!

 

[TravelingJen24]

Do you think it would be a bad idea to take a red-eye over? I am not considering it to save money, but rather so the kids will sleep. What do you think? Does anyone know what the weather in May is like?

 

[Para2176]

We want to use our DVC this year, but just had a baby and are afraid it will be too hard with our two year old. We have banked points so we have to do something because I do not want to go through all the trouble of selling them. Another concern I have is flying all the way over there from Ca.
If you did go, what would you do with the little tikes? Would you go when the baby was still small or wait a few months until she was crawling. By the way, my two year old is a terror, if that helps any. Thanks for the input/

My wife and I travelled with our 14 m/o last November without much of a problem. Since the planes tend to pressurize at a higher atmosphere, infants tend to sleep most of the way. Barring ear infections or inner-ear and sinus problems, the flight should go pretty uneventful.

However, your older child will require much entertainment. It may be beneficial to take the overnight flight to encourage them to sleep with their normal patterns. The problem with this solution is that you as parents are pretty much out of the picture for the day of arrival and the flight back may pose a problem the day following your return for the kids to get back to their time zone.

As for the vacation itself, I think everyone will have a good time once you are there. My son had a ball, even at 14 m/o. Hence, the reason we bought DVC immediately upon our return. Good luck.

p.s.-Avoid the idea of dosing the kids with Benedryl like some people may recommend. It has been known to have the opposite effect.

 

[shantay1008]

Hi!

We're grandparents and we're flying to Boston to help DS and DDil with the 3 that they have, aged, 1,2,3 when we head for the VWL this August. (We're then ALL flying to MCO from Boston.)

We know that it's going to be the most different WDW vacation ever. Maybe just doing parks 1-2 mornings out of 5. I think the parents are in need of some away from the house time, and we'll be there to help. Is there any chance that you can invite some grandparents/aunt/sister someone to help?

At least with DVC you'll have a place to go while the little ones nap. DH and I used to sit on the floor in the hall outside our room (playing cards) at the Poly during nap time!

I hope you do decide to go and that you have a most wonderful time.

Bobbi

Grandparents rock!

 

[Aneille]

We will be travelling in May with a 10 week old, 2.5 year old and a 4 year old. I am a little nervous but honestly I am really looking forward to it.

This will be our first trip with just our family. The last 2 times we went we travelled with extended family but we did spend days by ourselves and what worked then was just making sure we took time outs during the day to nap or hang out by the pool. The days we didn't our oldest was a mess by 4pm.

As far as May goes the weather was nice last year when we went so that is why we are travelling again at that time. The days are warm sometimes hot but not unbearable. We did have to adjust though since our weather at that time was still cool and we needed to remember to drink water especially the kids.

We are really looking forward to our trip this May and we have scheduled a lot of down time. I think it will be relaxing and a great trip.

A red-eye may work with getting your kids to sleep but the adults will be exhausted! I travelled from Boston to Pheonix(approx. 5 hour flight) when my kids were 4 months and 2.5 years and they travelled very well. It was at Thanksgiving too and the plane was packed. My youngest slept in my lap and I brought my carseat for the oldest and she napped for about 2 hours on the plane each way. We had morning flights.

 

[gppnj]

We're leaving on Saturday for OKW for 6 days with a 2 yo and a 6 mo. While a part of me is asking myself if we're nuts, I keep reminding myself that we're going to take it as it comes. We have only two park days planned and when I say days, it'll probably mean mornings only. The rest of the time will be spent at the pools (okw & ssr), searching for the best play areas, taking a boat ride, napping (myself included), mini golf, eating ice-cream, resort hopping, walking around Celebration and maybe heading to Cypress Gardens if they're up for it. I'm actually looking forward to not having a commando style trip like DW and I use to do pre-kids. Go and enjoy yourself and enjoy their ages, sure there are things that we can't do right now but we'll be back for many years to come!

Sounds like you've got the right idea. I think much of children's bad behavior seen in the parks is actually because of the parents pushing them too far and allowing them to get too tired and cranky.

 

[pbharris4]

A red eye would be OK IF your 2 yo sleeps in cars or planes. My youngest DD(2.5- who can be aterror at times-in fact, I'm making her a t-shirt for when we go to WDW that reads: Caution!! I scream REALLY loud! and another that reads: Caution: Beware of Tantrums! LOL) is just like me in that she doesn't sleep in cars, planes or any other moving vehicle. You should be fine as long your 2 yo gets rest/naps every day and I personally would try to keep them in a stroller most of the time in the parks. As soon as my 2 yo's feet hit the pavement she takes off like a jetplane and doesn't watch where she is going.

I'd also recommend sceduling ADRs around your child's normal eating times or within the hour, eating buffets (because you don't have to wait for the food), and just go with the flow. As long as they are rested and fed they are good to go (of course, until they see a toy or balloon they want).

The baby, depending on the age, should be fine..either sleeping alot or enjoying all the things to see at WDW.


Hope you have a great trip.

 

[llp479]

Another option would be to use your points at one of the DL hotels.

We had twin dds that were 3 and dd 4mos for a trip one time. As long as you know it's at their pace you can have a good time.

WDW in May is quite nice. Hot, not too rainy and not too crowded.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Reppstir]

Oh, good Lord,
Have some consideration for the other people who are also vacationing. I do not think they would appreciate a 2 year old and a newborn ruining their vacations.
Wait until your children are old enough to appreciate and remember this vacation.
Personally, I don't think children under 10 should be ALLOWED at WDW.
Just my opinion, of course.

 

[tigger2on]

Good luck...
Post a trip report on the family board when you come back! Don't forget all the good tips you discover!
Have Fun
Suzanne

 

[shantay1008]

Oh, good Lord,
Have some consideration for the other people who are also vacationing. I do not think they would appreciate a 2 year old and a newborn ruining their vacations.
Wait until your children are old enough to appreciate and remember this vacation.
Personally, I don't think children under 10 should be ALLOWED at WDW.
Just my opinion, of course.

You're being facetious, right? I hope?

 

[castleri]

You're being facetious, right? I hope?

You beat me to it - if they're not I certainly hope I never run into them at WDW- probably one of the ones who wants all their requests met and quiet pools with no children allowed.

 

[tigger2on]

I believe the whole reason that Walt built this great place was for families to enjoy with their children.... not pre-teen only! It was to bring magic into their lives and show them that dreams can come true.....
Oh pls say you were kidding.... children are suppose to be seen and heard. That's what makes life so wonderful...good times, bad times, loud times, quiet times. Disney without little girls running into princesses arms or little boys pplay sword fighting with peter pan or captian hook would be just some Six Flags park and have no magic at all.

That comment has made me very and sorta

 

[patsal]

Not a two and infant, but a just turned three and an infant. We really didn't have any problems. Brought our own stroller and it worked out fine. We were aware that the vacation might be a little different, but it was fine. We were looking for someplace child friendly and the ability to do things at our own pace. It worked out fine. the baby care centers are a real help, especially in the MK just a little quite and down time. The villas and pool area are wonderful for relaxation and enjoyment. I'd do it again. It's a fun pace and allows for the stop to smell the roses kind of trip. If you go withthe intention of working with the kids and their moods and needs you should be fine.

 

[snowbunny]

If you decide to go, can I ask you to please apply generous amounts of sunscreen to your children with their delicate skin.

Research has shown that melanoma - deadly skin cancer - that develops later in life is strongly linked to severe sunburn during childhood. The number of beet-red young children in WDW is appalling.

 

[TravelingJen24]

If families waited until their kids were that age to go to WDW then the whole place would probably go out of business. What would Disney be without the children? I appreciate everyone's advice. I am trying to talk my husband into planning the trip.