Anyone petrified to take their toddlers for the 1st time?

[Fall1]

I am so scared to take our 17 month old twins to WDW in October, I just can't stop thinking/worrying about it. The flight, sleeping in the same room, the restaurants, it all has me worried. Will we be ok??

Did any of you take young toddlers and love it??

-Janice

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We go to Disney every other year, and started that when our oldest daughter was 3. Through the visits we have gone pregnant (well, me anyway!), with infants (one 9mo, one 10 mo on their first trips), with toddlers, kids, tweens, and this fall will be our first trip with a teenager (YEIKS, you want to talk scarry!!!) Every stage has wonderful points, and more difficult ones. Let me tell you, the wonderful ones FAR out-weigh the difficult ones. Yes, it can be difficult to manauver the double stroller, you have to allow more down time for the kids, stuff like that, but in the end when you get to see them experience Disney and collect all the wonderful memories (and photos) that you will, you will be soooooooo happy that you did it. I would not trade any stage that I have taken my kids to. Sometimes I too would think "what are we doing, this is going to be hard", but once there, it was great, no regrets. I say go for it, but be relaxed and flexable. I always tell our friends planning their first trips and wanting to see it all that you can't. Unless you have monts to be down there (and un limited funds), you can't ever see it all, so just enjoy what you are doing, be greatful for it and when you get home, dream of what you want to do on your next trip. I would be stunned if you went on this trip and came back disapointed that you did--- it will be magical and I am sure you will be thrilled taht you went....
Have a great trip and take lots of photos, they will love seeing them someday (for too soon, time flies quickly!)

 

[wrighter]

I think anyone with twins would understand your concern here. I myself am not a mom of twins, but I worried about taking ONE 17 month old! And let me tell you, my 17 month old DD LOVED it! We were totally shocked - we really took the trip for my DS 3.5 - and figured she would just be some extra work. But she really got into it - she loved most of the rides in Fantasyland - she would hoot and holler and try to escape her stroller when we walked anywhere near Dumbo. There was so much to see and do, not to mention fun new treats that she'd never had before.

Of course we had to plan a little more than the average traveler - we made sure she got a nap, and lots of sleep at night, so that we ALL could enjoy our time at the parks. It meant earlier evenings for all of us, but well worth it since our kids were great the whole trip. We didn't do it "commando style," either. We let the kids be our guides - we filed all the information away in our brains and stuck to our plan when we could. But if they wanted to go and do something "off plan" we let them. It was wonderful.

Keep in mind that there are going to be thousands of people there that will also have young children - you won't stand out in a crowd. After the first day you'll know what works for you family and you'll even out for the rest of the week. Try to remember to SAVOR this trip - they'll only have ONE first trip.

Good luck!

 

[mommy2paris]

I'm sure you will get many positive stories!!

We have taken young children twice.
Our first trip, dd was 11 months old. Our last trip, our dd's were 7 months & 2 1/2 yrs.

We did have a really great time with them, and the pictures to look back on are amazing.

I won't lie and say it was a piece of cake. There were some stressful times, some meltdowns, and some tears. (coming from us as well, lol) It was far from relaxing, but still so worth it in the end!

That said, I would not trade those visits for anything... and, we are going back in December! Girls will be just shy of 2 & 4!

Just remember to take the time to let them enjoy the simple things!

Have a blast!

 

[LadyShea]

We took our son at 21 months and loved it.

However, some of your concerns are not even on my radar as we co-sleep, have taken DS to restaurants at least weekly since he was born, and had some traveling experience with him so knew his limits etc.

Perhaps you can prepare for some of these things before you leave? Try sleeping in the same room for a few nights, go to a few dinners out, watch Disney Channel and Disney movies with them so they are familiar with the characters (if you don't already do this).

Best wishes for a great trip! Try to be excited rather than worried, and hopefully your enthusiasm will spread through your family

 

[DisneyTiger]

We are going next month and bringing our kids for the first time - DD3 and DS18mo. My DH and I have been many times before kids and twice we left them behind with grandma. We always swore that we would not take the kids until they were 5. Well, on our last trip, we cracked in a big way. Before we even left Orlando, our next trip was booked to bring the kids! I am nervous about it, don't get me wrong. But this is my thinking, where else in the world can your kids have meltdowns in lines or at the dinner table and not get those stares? Everyone is in the same boat. I really feel there is an understanding among Disney parents. There will be breakdowns, temper fits, screaming and kicking. I think it's pretty much inevitable on a trip like Disney. But rest assured that you ARE NOT ALONE! The good will outweigh the bad for sure. Enjoy the time with your little one and take lots of pictures. I don't think we'll regret it at all and neither will you

 

[mommy2paris]

I agree!! We found on our last trip that our oldest dd was petrified of any / all characters. Which would have been fine, were we not on the dining plan, and had adr's for 4 character meals, lol... She did however, survive, and when she did get upset or cry, people around us were always very understanding & accomodating!

And as far as all sleeping in the same room... it did take a little getting used to, however, we were all so tired when we got back to the hotel at night, that we were pretty much asleep immediately.

 

[twinmom06]

We took our twins for the first time last year right before their 1st birthday. They really had a good time and it was not as bad at all as I thought it would be. We're going back on sunday (twins are now 23 months old). I'm thinking we'll hit a few bumps in the road, but it will definitely be worth it and fun.

 

[dancin'girl]

We took our 23 month old for the first time two years ago and I was a nervous wreck the entire week leading up to the vacation. I kept thinking what a mistake it was to have planned the trip with such a small child. But - it was done, payed for in full, so we were going and I knew deep down that we would have a good time. It was helpful that I did alot of planning ahead of time. We knew what park we were going to each day and had reservations for table service dinners each night. That made life much easier - no wasting time deciding where to go or what to do. We were able to get into the parks and see what we wanted to. We left after lunch to take a nap (we all needed a rest) maybe a swim. Then we were off again for our dinner reservations. We didn't do any late nights - we were back at the resort in time for our daughter's regular bedtime - 8pm.
It was the slowest, most easy-going trip we have ever taken to the World - we didn't see everything, but it turned out to be our best trip ever. The relaxed pace made it very enjoyable and doable for our young daughter.
One tip, though - don't take the kids on Snow White's Scary Adventures!! Don't be fooled by all the strollers parked out in front of it!! It was too scary for DD. It was the first ride we took her on (don't know what we were thinking!!) and she was scared of every ride for the rest of the day!! Even happy ones like It's A Small World made her nervous. I would skip Pirates, too. The floating head at the beginning is scary for little ones.

 

[antree]

I don't have twins but we took our son when he was 10mos, and at the age 1 1/2. I did what I always do when we went out. I took his toys he liked or books and snacks to keep him occupied. I didn't worry about feeding him when we sat to eat, if he was hunger he ate if not no big deal I fed him later.
I made sure he sat in a high chair so there was not fighting trying to keep him in his seat. If he was sleeping they let me take the stroller in so I didn't have to wake him. in the hotel he splet in the pack and play to keep him in one place, whenever he fell asleep I let him so there was no fighting, as long as he was in the pack and play I was fine with it. Ask for a second pack and play so they can have there own space.

My son was Great in Disney there is so much for the see, they will be too busy looking to fight.

Have Fun.

 

[poohguys]

We took DS two weeks before his 3rd Bday. He was just potty trained (saw lots of Disney bathroooms that trip). We were so afraid that he was going to take off running, but he stayed right by us. He loved it! We let him set the pace. It helped that we had Grandma, Grandpa Aunt, Uncle and cousin with us. One of my ffavorite memories is of him and his cousin holding hands and walking to the room when we first got there.

Sis has been with 15 month old and 6 month old and been fine. Just try to relax and enjoy the trip. Don't over plan just go with the flow. Hope you all have a great trip!

 

[brockash]

We'll be taking our 17 month old tomorrow for a week, so I'll let you know We took her when she was 4 months, but in all honesty, I'm sure that'll be a lot easier than this time, but I think she'll like it a lot more I think we'll have a great time, although 1 is definetly a lot less than two at that age , but I'd just go with an optimistic attitude, make sure you schedule in breaks and just take it slow, and I'm sure you all will have a great time.

 

[Cheeseball]

We're going in late Sept - early Oct with our 17 month old too! We decided to give up Coronado Springs and rent a villa so that she can have her own room to sleep in. We went away in June and stayed in a hotel room with our 5 yr old and then 14 month old and it was a disaster, so we upgraded to a suite. We can't afford a Disney suite, so we got a villa instead for this trip. My little one needs her own room, plus we're all on different sleeping schedules! I worry about the flight a little, but I bought her a Yo Gabba Gabba DVD to watch in our portable DVD player on the 2 hr flight. I usually let her watch one episode every day or two and she LOVES it! Other than that, I'm not too worried. She's used to restaurants and will be too busy stuffing her face to make a scene.

The only thing that would concern me is everyone staying in one room, that can be stressful!

Have fun!!

 

[Jenvenza]

We are taking our 13 month old daughter and I am very excited about it. We co-sleep, so that isnt a concern for us. We plan on using the baby care centers as much as possible and will just go with the flow and follow her lead. I am really excited! You guys will have a blast!

 

[everylastbreath]

OMG- Toddlers are the BEST at WDW, you are in for such a great time. Everything is magic to them and you will have it X's 2!! You are going to have the best time ever, there may be a few rough spots, but just know that you are only going to remember those tiny faces watching firework or singing in the "It's a small world" ride, It's priceless. I really believe the younger they are the more magical the trips are.

As far as the concerns go:

flight- bring lollypops and don't give to them until you start to land, this will help their ears.

Sleeping- Don't worry, they are going to be soooo tired, this will not be an issue.

Eating - Character MEALS! (as many as you can stand) - even if they don't like the characters, the activity will keep them amused enough that you will get a decent meal out of it.

I guarantee I'm going to see a post when you get back that says what a GREAT TIME you had, We too my GS last year when he turned 2 and again this year at almost 3, and I too was very concerned but it turned out so wonderful that we had to do it again this year, but we found it was actually easier last year at 2 (strange hu? go figure!)

 

[peemagg]

This past Jan. we took our 13 month twins and their 2.5 year old sister. We all had a great time. Sure it took a little extra planning and work, but it was well worth it. We took 3 single strollers instead of a double and a single. This allowed each child their own space and they weren't being pestered by their siblings. I know a lot of people take time off in the afternoon and go back to the hotel for naps. We didn't. The kids just napped in their strollers. I do have to say though, that our kids are very easy going.

One of the things that they all loved was the character meals. Chef Mickey's and Hollywood and Vine were their favorites. I just wished that Playhouse Disney had been open for them to see.

DO NOT do It's Tough to be a bug with them. Our kids hated that one. They didn't like the affects of the show. They loved Beauty and the Beast. We also took time for them to play at the playgrounds and water areas.

Just take it at their pace and you will all have a great time.

 

[Cheshire Pirate]

My son is 22 months old, and we're taking him on his first trip Sept 7-13th. I still have those freak out "what the heck have we done!" moments about taking him, but I know he's just going to love being there. I'm sure we'll have our bad moments, but I'm hoping all the good moments will outweigh the bad ones.

One thing he absolutely loves to watch is the Disney Sing A Long Songs "Disneyland Fun" DVD. He is absolutely mesmerized by it. I know it's not the same park, and it's old(from 1990) but it goes through Main Street, many of the same rides WDW has and the fireworks at the end. It's great.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

My family is going in Dec of next year. We will have four small ones! One at 3 1/2, 3, 20 months and 19 months. So we are going to have our hands full! But we are sooooo excited!! It will be amazing to see their little faces light up! It is also both or my BIL's first time going so they will be fun too. Like everyone said just relax and go slow. Dont push it! Dont make a cranky baby stay later so that you can see what you want...you have to realize that your trip will revolve around the little ones and it'll be fine. Enjoy!!!

 

[ABBYSDAD]

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DW and I are taking our DD, 17 months, for eight days starting 9/6. This summer, we've taken her to parades, and the local zoo. She's been great so far, and is at an age where she really notices new things. I can't wait to see how she reacts to WDW.

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DW and DD flew to Dallas back in April, just after her first birthday. DW says she handled that trip very well, sleeping for about half the flight (three hours from Detroit to Dallas), so I'm not too worried about the flight to Orlando. She's never slept in the same room as us, but did sleep in the same room with DW on the Dallas trip, so I don't think that will be a problem either.

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All in all, I'm not expecting the trip to be perfect, and I know our nights will probably end pretty early, but I think the experience of seeing her react to everything new she is going to see, and the memories it will create for DW and I, will be well worth the small hassles we may have to deal with.

 

[natnelliesmom]

We have traveled many times with our two girls from when they were just babies. Now they are 3 and 5 and we still have some of these issues.
As far as sleeping goes- on our last two trips we stayed in Studio rooms at the DVC resorts- so we did share one room. What we did though (and have done in other hotels) is get our girls settled for sleep- turn down the lights and then my husband will take his shower while I sit just outside the bathroom door and read a magazine or book, or look over trip planning schedules for the next day. This way the room is basically dark so the kids can get to sleep but you don't have to go to sleep as well.
I can see them and can firmly say- "It's time to sleep" if there is any naughtiness. By the time my husband is done in the shower- the girls are asleep.
I'm not sure how your boys are- but once my girls are asleep we can turn on a light in the room and they don't wake up. I use this time to quietly check the weather channel or tidy up the room.
It works for us.
I wish you luck- just remember- most everyone else there has kids- so you'll be in the majority!!
-Sarah