Are we bad Disney Parents?

[DannyDisneyFreak]

My DW and I are planning our trip to WDW, our daughter will not even be 2 when we go and we are planning to leave her with Grandma while we go. So, what does everyone think about this, we want to have a nice romantic time alone but is it wrong? Just wondering others thoughts, not that we will change our plans though.

 

[TrickyFish]

No, I don't think you are a bad Disney Parent. I am not a parent, nor am I even married (yet!!) but DBF and I have already discussed that we won't take our future children until they are six, even if that means we leave them at home.

We personally think any younger is too young. It would be too overwhelming and too much money for an experience they mostly won't remember. We both took our first trips at seven and agree that is a good age. Again, this our opinion, we know a lot of people think taking younger children is a good idea, and that's entirely up to each parent.

Besides, parents need their own trips, too. Don't feel bad because you think Disney is a good "kids" place.. its a good "grown ups (aka big kids)" place, too!! Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

We're leaving our baby with Grandma too. He will only be 6 months old We will take him on a future trip. So, to answer your question, no I dont think you're bad parents at all.

 

[brermomof2]

I say enjoy your trip together. But you better take her back when she gets older!!

 

[Luv4Disney]

I'm not a parent, but I think that's fine. You want her to be able to remember the vacation when she does go. Wait another two years or so before you bring her with you. I think it will be much more special then.

 

[Kae]

We've done it twice. last time the kids were 6 & 3.

Kae

 

[Momof6]

The trip to WDW DH and I took when our youngest was 6 months old was the best trip ever for us.
Of course, we've taken our children along EVERY other time...but, that's ok. I don't think our children would have managed the parks at a younger age. Just way too stimulating for them.

Denise

 

[Disneymomofsix]

My parents took my DD when she was 2. We went again when my twin DS's were 1 and again when they were 3. We have been again since then, but they do not remember those early trips (they like to look at their pictures though). Anyway, I think you will have a great time while at Disney and are not being bad Disney parents.

 

[pixiedust23]

If she's only 2 she's not gonna remember anyway! The only thing you would have to remind her are photos, so don't feel bad AT ALL!

 

[Benjo]

I don't have kids yet, but I don't think I'll be taking mine until they're about 5 or 6. It's very difficult for any child to be able to troop around WDW all day...it's just very exhausting.

My first trip to WDW was at age 2, and I can't remember a thing about it, other than the pictures my parents still have. My brother, who was 5 at the time, remembers it and has very fond memories of his first trip.

 

[jswalker1981]

No, I don't think you are a bad Disney Parent. I am not a parent, nor am I even married (yet!!) but DBF and I have already discussed that we won't take our future children until they are six, even if that means we leave them at home.

We personally think any younger is too young. It would be too overwhelming and too much money for an experience they mostly won't remember. We both took our first trips at seven and agree that is a good age. Again, this our opinion, we know a lot of people think taking younger children is a good idea, and that's entirely up to each parent.

Besides, parents need their own trips, too. Don't feel bad because you think Disney is a good "kids" place.. its a good "grown ups (aka big kids)" place, too!! Enjoy your trip!!!

I totally agree with you on everything, even the age!! I have talked about that with my girlfriend too. You don't want to spend all that money so that you can only go on a few rides. I want to be able to really help my son (that is what I am hoping for whenever that time arrives, not anytime soon) appreciate the experience. It will be alot for almost anyone on the first trip, but I want him to have some disney history in him too before he goes.

 

[bugsy]

Yeah, you both will probably burn in hell...just kidding!
I didn't take DS to DL til he was 5-perfect age, and
he remembers it (23yrs old now), If we had a 2 yr old,
we would do just as you are. She wouldn't remember it,
like the other posters have said, and you two do deserve
a vacation together, be it WDW, Mexico, or wherever.
Have a great time!

 

[miste76]

I think you are great parents... you are keeping your marriage a happy one!!! Just as every couple needs some time away from their spouse... I imagine every parent needs some time away from their children.

I haven't even found the right BF yet... but I imagine when the time comes for me to have children... I'll be taking at least two trips to WDW every year... one with them and one without them!!!

 

[meandthree]

My DH and I are going in October without our kids. We took them for Spring Break and will be taking them for 7 days for Spring Break next year but I told him that I just wanted to go one time without them so that I could soak it all in. Not have to get up at break-neck speed and see everything that we want to see. We are not thrill riders but will truly enjoy the 3-D shows and the kiddie rides plus the Food and Wine Festival. We are also taking advantage of not having the kids by staying at the Grand Floridian. Our kids loved Boardwalk and we are more pool driven than luxury driven when the kids are along. Enjoy! I know we will! Besides, at 2 your child wouldn't even remember it.

 

[BATBkindagirl]

I'm only 14 so I think my opinion should count, or at least I think My parents took me to Disney and other vacations even before I was two.. but I can't even remember my trip to Disneyland when I was about 7.. so I will know for the future (this is way future for me ) that I would agree and personally would take my child on trips with us especially to Disney when they are old enough to remember it.

 

[chiconh]

My two cents. Don't feel guilty. Wait until the kids are old enough to enjoy Disney. I always see frazzled parents, lugging aound the stroller, diaper bag, kid and other paraphanelia. They are short tempered, snapping at each other. They are not having fun and the child does not know what is going on.

We waited on taking both of our daughters until they were at least 3. That way you can also enjoy seeing Disney through their eyes. There is nothing like the first time that they see their favorite character coming around the corner!

 

[Snoopygirl]

My hubby & I are doing the same thing! We have 2 girls (5 & 14 months). We are going in May for our 10 yr. anniv. and leaving them home w/ grandma! We will go back w/ the kids probably in 2007 or 2008 so the youngest will enjoy it also. Plus, my parents are taking my 5 yr. old to Disneyland in Sept. w/ out me & hubby so there you go! Everyone is happy

Have fun!!!!!

 

[MinnieMom]

IMHO I couldn't go to Disney without my kids! But I'm not saying you're a bad parent - everyone has different feelings about it.

The first time we took dd she was only 22 months, so she was just shy of 2. We had a great time with her. Granted, she doesn't remember the trip, but we all have a blast looking at the pictures of her there.

To me, Disney is and always will be a family vacation. I could see myself going somewhere like Las Vegas (which I have done) without the kids because the kiddos wouldn't enjoy it, but to go somewhere like Disney which is heavin on earth for kids (and adults!), I just couldn't do it!

Don't mean to offend . . . that's just my opinion. I know I couldn't feel right about it.

 

[DizBelle]

Not wrong at all.

 

[lclark0621]

Just me, but I could not go to Disney World without my DS.

He went for the first time when he was 9 months old and his second trip will be when he is 21 months old.

There is just no way I could go to Disney World without my DS. Besides missing him WAY to much, Disney is so much more magical with kids.