Children of Different ages

[mom4boys]

Hi.. I have four boys.. 15,14,8 and 3.. (by the time I go to Disney everyone will be one year older) anyway.. How did some of you with the range of ages enjoy the park together.. I know the teens can go off on their own..but I would like some ideas on how you enjoyed the park together...or did you plan to certain rides/attractions together.. I want this to be a great trip for all the boys.. So any advice.. Thanks so much.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Don't have kids with an age gap, but there is 15 years between me and my youngest brother...one suggestion I have:

Let each of your older kids choose one ride that is "baby safe" to ride with your youngest...take pics...make that the "special" ride that they introduce the youngest to. Maybe they could choose one they loved as a little kid or one that is related to an interest they have now. For example, I love elephants, so I would choose Dumbo.

 

[mom4boys]

First.. your baby is absolutely beautiful.. Makes me want another.. Thank you for your tip.. It was a good idea..and I appreciate it very much. Thanks again.

 

[crazymomof4]

I'm a mom to a just turned 16yo, 13, 8 and 4. So I can relate. I was pleasantly surprised that on our 2003 trip, most of the attractions were enjoyed by all of us, together. Some exceptions were the thrill rides. We took 2-way radios to keep in touch if we split up. We only split up for short periods, an hour or two and not very often. For example, while the older ones and DH rode Space Mt. I went with the younger ones on the Carousel and Dumbo. In MGM I did the Mermaid show and Playhouse Disney while the others did TOT and RRC.

Essentially, though, Walt's intention of the whole family doing the parks together is not difficult to do.



TinkerbellMama...are you following me around the DIS today or am I following you??

 

[madge]

I'm a mom to a just turned 16yo, 13, 8 and 4. So I can relate. I was pleasantly surprised that on our 2003 trip, most of the attractions were enjoyed by all of us, together. Some exceptions were the thrill rides. We took 2-way radios to keep in touch if we split up. We only split up for short periods, an hour or two and not very often. For example, while the older ones and DH rode Space Mt. I went with the younger ones on the Carousel and Dumbo. In MGM I did the Mermaid show and Playhouse Disney while the others did TOT and RRC.

Essentially, though, Walt's intention of the whole family doing the parks together is not difficult to do.



TinkerbellMama...are you following me around the DIS today or am I following you??

I echo that sentiment--my kids are each 6 years apart, and we do a lot together. When the older boys get an itch to something a little more thrilling, they go do that and we meet back up. I have to say, though, it's been VERY cool watching my older 2 boys introduce their little sister to the world

WDW is one of the few places we can vacation together and everyone has something they love to do!

 

[mom4boys]

Thanks so much for all the advice...My older boys are so terrific with the younger boys especially the 3 year old...they really look out for them. My teenagers would go on the kiddie rides with the little guy. They have done it before. I have just been looking around right now for a rental home.

Crazy mom of 4... That should have been my screen name..LOL..

 

[crazymomof4]

I have just been looking around right now for a rental home.

We also rent poolhomes while visiting WDW (we like the space)
It can be confusing and overwhelming looking on the net-- too many to chose from! Here is a link to a map of where the different subdivisions of rental homes are located in relation to WDW.
http://www.orlando-maps.info/top_down_maps/kissimmee_top_down.htm#west

Here is a link to the home we are renting in Sept. We are only paying $475 for the week! 3bdrms, 2 baths and a private pool! Only 3.25 miles from Disney property-- In Indian Creek, one of the closest subdivisions to WDW.
<http://www.florida-holidayhomes.com/>

Hope this helps!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

During our May trip, we gave our 13 yo son a phone and set him free. He spent probably 3/4 of the time on his own...and loved the freedom! On most days (We were there for 10 days.), dh was in charge of one child and I was in charge of the other (ds almost 5 at the time and dd 2.5). Occasionally, either dh or I would take both little ones (NOT easy) while the other rode with our older ds. It helps that dh and I visit WDW without the kids a couple of times a year. Thus, our time with them was FOR them. If we only got to make one trip a year and that was as a family, I would definitely use a sitter or child care center on one or two evenings.

 

[stacy6552]

Just keep everyone together. While I dont have teens, yet, my kids are 5 years apart and keeping everyone happy just has never been a problem. In your own mind you might keep track of whether you have done all the really cool "big" stuff and if you havent then turn the teens loose for a few hours in the afternoon to bust rhrough the stuff they missed. But other than that, I just wouldn't sweat it.

 

[kimlooman]

We have two boys soon to be 8 and 2. Our third trip to Disney with both boys wtill be in October and our best solution has been a good set of two way radios. We do alot together but if the little one needs a nap in the stroller or the older one wants to go on the bigger rides, we each take one child and the radios and seperate for awhile. That seems to work very well for us as it gives us a chance to be with one child one on one for awhile and everyone seems to be happy and get a chance to do want is most age appropriate for them. Of course we are not outnumbered so that is a plus for us too. But with the age gap, our older boy is very helpful with his little brother and likes to do things with him too. Good luck.

 

[Kimkimba]

I have a 16 yo dd, a 7 yo ds, and a 2 yo dd. My 16 yo loves the "thrilling" rides, and it will be me who goes on them with her. My dh and ds DO NOT like too much excitement.

I know my older dd will want to stay with us and have family fun. At the hotel, she can go swimming if she wants while us older and younger folks rest. She is very helpful with the 2 younger ones.

My 2 yo is a very easy child and will experience anything we let her.

Also, I let my older dd have a lot of say in picking out our ADRs. She is the most involved with the trip planning other than me.

You'll have a great time - one of the things I LOVE so much about Disney is that there is so much family stuff to do. No one feels too old or too babyish.